The holidays are a magical time filled with joy, celebration, and (of course) delicious food. For many, the holiday season is an opportunity to dine out and savor festive meals with family and friends, even if they don’t typically eat at restaurants throughout the year.
With the influx of diners, many of whom may have dietary restrictions or food allergies, it’s more important than ever for food service establishments to prioritize safety when serving. Keep reading to learn the top five things everyone in the food service industry should know to ensure holiday diners have a safe and happy experience.
Know Your Establishment’s Allergen Policies
Holidays often mean large parties and festive group gatherings, and it’s common for diners with food allergies to be among the group, especially given that 33 million Americans have food allergies. Knowing your restaurant’s allergen policies not only ensures you’re prepared to handle their needs safely and efficiently but also gives you peace of mind that you have a plan for any scenario.
Allergen policies can include everything from knowing how to handle allergen-sensitive orders and communicating with the kitchen staff to managing cross-contact risks both in the back of house and the front of house. If your establishment has a food allergy training program in place, like AllerTrain, it’s important to make sure you stay up to date on your training.
Learn the Ingredients in Popular Dishes and Kids’ Menu Items
With holiday menus and specials taking center stage, it’s essential to know the ingredients in your restaurant’s most popular dishes. This includes understanding hidden allergens that could be present.
Pay special attention to items on the children’s menu, as kids are often more vulnerable to severe allergic reactions. For example, determine whether French fry oil or other fried foods are allergen safe. If you’re unsure about any ingredient, don’t guess, consult the chef or manager to make sure you give accurate information.
Always Ask About Allergies Upfront
When taking orders, make it a point to ask diners if they or anyone in their party has any food allergies. This proactive approach demonstrates care and reduces the risk of a mistake. If a diner discloses an allergy, communicate it clearly to the kitchen team, along with any specific instructions or substitutions required.
For added safety, consider flagging allergen-sensitive orders in the POS system. This level of diligent communication ensures that everyone involved in preparing and serving the meal knows to take extra precautions.
Minimize the Risk of Cross-Contamination
Cross-contact is a significant concern when serving diners with food allergies. If possible, designate separate preparation areas and utensils for allergen-free meals. If your kitchen doesn’t have a dedicated space, ensure all utensils, surfaces, and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before preparing allergen-sensitive orders. It’s also important to mark allergen-free dishes clearly so they’re not confused with regular meals during service. Paying attention to these details can make all the difference in ensuring your diners have a safe and pleasant experience.
Offer Allergen-Friendly Options
Offering a variety of allergen-friendly menu options is a great way to cater to all guests, especially during the holidays. Work with your kitchen staff to create a list of dishes that can be made allergen-free or that naturally don’t contain common allergens and make sure to consider this approach when drafting your specials menu.
Be prepared to provide ingredient details for any menu item and have a list of substitutes or alternatives available for diners with specific needs. With this information on hand, you can provide a streamlined process that instills confidence in your customers.
Additional Tips for Handling Allergens
- Emergency Preparedness: If a customer experiences a severe allergic reaction, stay calm and immediately call for medical assistance. If they have an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), assist them in using it if necessary.
- Staff Training: Regularly train staff on allergen handling procedures and keep them updated on menu changes or new ingredients.
- Clear Communication: Make open communication with customers a priority. When in doubt, double-check ingredient information with the kitchen staff or manager.
A Safer Holiday Season with MenuTrinfo
The holidays should be a time of joy, not worry. By following these tips, your establishment can create a safe and welcoming environment for all diners, including those with food allergies. If you’re unsure about any aspect of allergen handling or would like to enhance your team’s training, please contact our team at MenuTrinfo.
Our comprehensive food allergy training and resources ensure your staff is prepared to serve holiday diners safely and confidently. Reach out today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you provide a safer dining experience this holiday season and beyond.
