Ensuring your restaurant is allergy-friendly means keeping your kitchen staff informed about allergens. Providing your guests with all the right information about the ingredients being used will also help them make smart and safe decisions on what to order and in doing so, avoid any mishaps.
Here are some simple tips to ensure that your staff are well-informed
- Nominate an allergy expert – Choose one staff member to be responsible for answering all allergy queries from diners in the restaurant.
- Always check ingredients – Read all the ingredients and allergen information of products that are regularly used as manufacturers can sometimes change ingredients without notifying.
- Identify allergens – Think of unsuspecting places where allergens may be present and find alternatives for them. For example, barbecue sauce may contain allergens like pecans.
- Show allergy disclaimers – Print a note at the bottom of your menu or website reminding diners to inform their waiter of any allergies. More importantly, make sure you keep any printed brochures and information up to date to avoid any confusion.
- Avoid cross-contamination – Always keep foods that contain allergens strictly separated from foods that do not contain allergens.
- Know how to act in an allergic reaction outbreak – Remember, if a diner has an allergic reaction, don't be afraid to call an ambulance.
