Consumer Advisory

A consumer advisory is a notice on a menu or at a foodservice establishment that informs guests about the potential health risk of eating certain foods raw or undercooked. It is commonly associated with meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish and eggs that may be served without a cooking step sufficient to destroy harmful microorganisms. The wording and legal requirements depend on the jurisdiction.

Why a consumer advisory is used

Cooking food to an appropriate time and temperature is an important control against foodborne pathogens. When a menu offers a raw or undercooked preparation, an advisory helps guests understand that the product may carry a higher risk of foodborne illness. It does not make an unsafe preparation safe, replace approved sourcing or remove the operator’s responsibility to handle food correctly.

Foods that may require an advisory

• Raw or undercooked beef, such as steak tartare or rare burgers where permitted.
• Raw or undercooked seafood, including oysters, sashimi and certain shellfish dishes.
• Eggs or preparations made with raw or lightly cooked eggs.
• Other animal foods served without a validated cooking process, depending on the local code.

What an advisory may say

Some jurisdictions prescribe specific menu language, symbols or disclosure formats. A common style of notice explains that consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness. Restaurants must use the wording and placement required by the authority that regulates their premises rather than copying a notice from another jurisdiction without checking.

Consumer advisory versus allergen disclosure

A consumer advisory addresses risks associated with raw or undercooked foods. An allergen disclosure identifies ingredients or potential allergen cross-contact. They serve different purposes and should not be treated as substitutes for one another.

Example: a restaurant offering steak tartare or raw oysters may be required to display a consumer advisory on the menu, using the wording specified by its local health authority.

Chef’s note: An advisory is not permission to serve food that is contaminated, improperly sourced or mishandled. Maintain approved suppliers, temperature control, hygiene and cross-contamination prevention, and confirm local requirements with the health authority.

Key distinction: A consumer advisory informs guests of a potential risk; it does not eliminate the risk or replace food-safety controls.