
Ohio Person in Charge – Big 9 Allergens is essential for compliance in Ohio. For over 10 years, ACE Food Handler has provided industry-leading food safety training to help operators meet the rigorous standards set by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Under current state law, every food service operation and retail food establishment must ensure that at least one person in charge (PIC) is present during all hours of operation. This individual must demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention and allergen management to protect public health and maintain licensure.
Ohio Person in Charge – Big 9 Allergens Requirements
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) requires that the Person in Charge demonstrates specific competencies in food safety and allergen awareness. ACE Food Handler is a state-authorized provider (License: ODH #89-188), offering a Level 1 Certification that satisfies the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code. A critical component of this certification is the identification and management of the “Big 9” allergens.
As of January 2023, sesame was officially added to the list of major food allergens, joining the original eight. Failure to properly identify these allergens can lead to severe health risks for consumers and significant legal liability for the establishment. The Big 9 allergens include:
1. **Milk:** Found in butter, cheese, cream, and many baked goods.
2. **Eggs:** Common in dressings, breading, and desserts.
3. **Fish:** Including bass, flounder, and cod.
4. **Crustacean Shellfish:** Such as crab, lobster, and shrimp.
5. **Tree Nuts:** Including almonds, walnuts, and pecans.
6. **Peanuts:** Often found in sauces, oils, and baked items.
7. **Wheat:** Present in flour, pasta, and most breads.
8. **Soybeans:** Common in tofu, soy sauce, and processed vegetable oils.
9. **Sesame:** Found in seeds, oils, tahini, and hummus.

Click to watch the full training video on YouTube.
Click to watch the full training video on YouTube.
Properly managing these ingredients is a legal mandate. Our Ohio Person in Charge – Big 9 Allergens training provides the technical knowledge required to prevent cross-contact and accurately inform customers about menu ingredients.
Benefits of Ohio Person in Charge – Big 9 Allergens Training
Obtaining your PIC certification through ACE Food Handler ensures that your business remains in good standing with local health departments in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron. Our online platform is designed for efficiency and compliance, allowing managers and staff to complete their training without disrupting operations.
Key benefits of our ODH-approved course include:
* **Compliance Verification:** ACE Food Handler holds ODH License #89-188, ensuring your certificate is recognized statewide.
* **Instant Access:** Upon passing the exam, you can download and print your official certificate immediately.
* **Cost-Effective Solutions:** For only $10, your staff can receive high-level training. You can also use coupon code **ace20** to save an additional 20%.
Investing in professional training reduces the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks and ensures your facility meets the mandatory ODH requirement for shift-based certification.
Official Compliance Resources:
- Training: View our Ohio PIC Classes.
- State Info: Read official mandates on the Ohio Dept of Health Website.