Allergen training in Spain: do I need it on top of the food handler card?

Many hospitality job ads in Spain ask for "carnet de manipulador y alérgenos". Are these two different courses? Do you need both? Here is the answer.

Food handler training

General food hygiene: contamination, foodborne illness, personal hygiene, temperatures, cleaning, pests and labelling. This is the baseline required by Regulation (EC) 852/2004 for anyone who works with food.

Allergen training

Focused on food information for consumers: the 14 mandatory allergens (Regulation (EU) 1169/2011), avoiding cross-contact in the kitchen, what to do when a customer asks, and why allergens do not disappear when food is cooked. Because bars and restaurants must inform customers about allergens, employers want staff who know this well.

Who needs which?

• Everyone who handles food: food handler training.
• Anyone who cooks, plates up or serves customers in restaurants, canteens or catering: allergen training is strongly recommended and is what employers ask for most.

Get both with one course

ManipuladorYa's course includes a full allergen module. With the Certificate + Allergens plan you receive two certificates and a printable pocket card, all with the same exam. Studying and taking the exam is free — you only pay if you pass.