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According to Food Allergy Research & Education, about 15 million Americans are estimated to have food allergies today. Given that risk, event planners must take particular care when arranging meals for special occasions. Whether you’re planning catering services for a wedding or a corporate event, the following strategies can help you safeguard your guests from food allergy risks.     

Food Allergy-Friendly Strategies for Catering Services

1. Ask Ahead

Once you have the guest list in order, it’s a good idea to get dining preferences from attendees as soon as possible. In the questionnaire, ask individuals if they have any special dietary needs and to identify what foods they are allergic to. Using this information, you and your catering staff can prepare a diverse menu that includes allergen-free dishes.

2. Label Dishes

catering servicesAlthough the kitchen staff may have taken precautions to reduce food allergen exposure, it’s also important to clearly communicate dining options to guests. The easiest way to do this is to attach a legible label to each dish and list all the ingredients—particularly if you’ve opted for a self-serve buffet setup. If someone with a food allergy sees something that could trigger a reaction, they will know to avoid it.

3. Separate Items

When there are individuals with food allergies attending your event, you want to make sure they don’t feel singled out because of their condition—or that their meal options are severely limited. One way to prevent this from occurring is to separate items that do not need to be together. For example, nut-based salad toppings or sauces can be served on the side to prevent the entire dish from coming in contact with the allergen.

 

When it comes to catering, food allergies are just one of the many factors you’ll need to consider to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. Fortunately, if you want to simplify the meal planning process, Lother's Catering of Hebron, KY, offers all the skills you need. Providing exceptional off- and on-site catering throughout the Cincinnati region for more than four decades, these culinary masters can design a unique menu that suits the tastes—and dietary needs—of your guests. To learn how these catering services can make your special occasion one to remember, visit the company’s website. You can also call (859) 468-0176 to discuss your culinary needs for an upcoming event.   

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