When handling special dining requests for customers with food allergies, communication is the key to ensure a safe and pleasurable meal. Communicating specific ingredients, cooking methods and preparation procedures can help prevent allergic reactions among diners but this can be challenging when restaurants are not properly prepared. The noisy, fast-paced environment of a restaurant kitchen reminds us that communication does not always have to take the form of dialogue. Behind the scenes, communicating special dietary requests can be as simple as implementing visual cues to alert staff of the serious condition.
When not properly prepared on a busy night in the restaurant, interruptions regarding special, allergen-free meals can disturb the flow and rhythm of a kitchen. To avoid this delay in work, try implementing specific allergen-free tools that can easily be identified by staff members.
- Plate allergen-free meals on special dishes; colorful or uniquely shaped plates can help staff members quickly recognize an allergen-free meal
- Use brightly colored frill-picks to mark special orders that are free of allergens
- Implement colored utensils, like purple handled knives and spatulas, to prepare an allergen-free meal
- Use tray covers to avoid cross-contact among meals
- Allergen-free menus help customers select a safe meal without slowing the pace of employees; distinguish these from other menus by using a different text or paper color
Vocal communication is also essential to help customers dine safely. Have a communication flow chart for staff to follow behind the scenes to ensure all members are aware of the presence of a food allergy. Following the customer’s request for an allergen-free meal, the server should alert a person-in-charge. The manager or person-in-charge can then assist the customer in selecting an allergen-free meal and pass crucial information along to the chef. The chef, server and manager should all vigilantly work to confirm the meal was prepared safely. Reminders around the kitchen can help employees recognize precautionary measures to avoid costly mistakes. It can also be helpful to remind staff members of the severity associated with food allergies; exposure to an allergen may result in life-threatening anaphylaxis, making it important to always be cognizant of food allergies.
Communicating ingredients online is another method to help customers with allergies plan their visit and preview potential orders before arriving. Displaying an allergen chart online can be a useful reference for customers concerned about ingredients. In the restaurant, keep an updated copy of recipes and product information to allow rapid identification of allergens when customers ask about meals.
Taking precautionary steps to ensure a safe meal among diners creates a loyal, appreciative fan-base. Effective communication regarding food allergies will help customers feel safe while dining out. Try implementing simple practices into your kitchen to help ensure allergen-free meals without interruptions. Food allergies are a serious matter in the kitchen; learn more about handling food allergies with our Food Allergy Poster or by registering for an AllerTrain class!
