Don’t let food allergies ruin the fun at your next company picnic or barbecue! Over 12 million Americans have food allergies, and your employees probably number among them.
Eight foods make up 90% of food-allergic reactions, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Soy
So, how can you keep allergies off the menu at your next event?
1. Ask your employees about their food allergies.
This is the simplest way to find out about food allergies and restrictions and avoid a dangerous situation. And if you know ahead of time, it will be easier for you to make sure that no one is left out and everyone has something to nosh on.
You don’t have to leave allergens off the menu entirely. Just make sure everything is clearly labeled and non-allergen foods are included. If you are hosting a potluck, make sure people bringing food are aware of potential allergies and can label their offerings accordingly.
2. Consider condiment packs.
Single servings of ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise will prevent cross-contamination when sharing from large containers.
3. Bring plenty of utensils.
Each food item should have its own serving utensil and no one should have to share plates, cups, napkins or utensils.
4. Serve allergic guests first.
Especially when grilling! You can also grill food for allergic employees on a clean piece of aluminum foil.
5. Wipe your face and hands!
Just like Mom told you after dinner. Bring disinfectant wipes and antibacterial hand sanitizer so everyone can clean up after eating. This reduces the likelihood that food particles will be passed around in your post-prandial game of company kickball.
6. Check for cell phone coverage.
It’s unlikely that you will need to In the event of an emergency, make sure you have service to call 911 if someone has a severe allergic reaction.
What measures have you taken to accommodate food allergies at your business?