Consumer Advisory

Purpose of an Advisory

The consumer advisory is meant to inform consumers, especially highly susceptible populations (older adults, preschool‐age children, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems) about the increased risk of foodborne illness from eating raw or undercooked animal foods through use of both a disclosure and reminder. The consumer advisory can be presented by using brochures, seafood case or menu advisories, label statements, table tents, placards, or other effective written means.

When is a Consumer Advisory Required?

According to the Illinois Food Code, if any animal food such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish is served or sold raw, undercooked, or without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens, either in ready‐to‐eat form or as an ingredient in another ready‐to‐ eat food, then a consumer advisory is required. Because raw or undercooked ground meat cannot be offered on children’s menus, a consumer advisory is not re‐ quired.

Disclosure Shall Include:

1. A description of the animal‐derived foods, such as “oysters on the half‐shell (raw oysters)”, “raw‐egg Caesar salad dressing”, and “hamburgers (can be cooked to order)”; or
2. Identification of the animal‐derived foods in a menu or other listing by asterisking them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or under‐cooked or contain (or may contain) raw or undercooked ingredients.

Reminder Shall Include:

Asterisking the animal‐derived foods that require disclosure in a menu or other listing to a footnote that states that:

1. Written information regarding the safety of these items is available upon request;
2. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk for food‐ borne illness; or
3. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk for food‐ borne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.