Coping with Allergies at Functions

Any function that offers food runs the risk of causing an allergic reaction in a guest.

Exposure to common proteins in food can trigger allergy sufferers’ immune systems to produce histamines. This can lead to various symptoms ranging from mild swelling and digestive disorders to anaphylactic shock and even death.

There is no cure for allergies, so the most sensible approach for allergy sufferers to take is to ensure that they don’t eat any foods they know they are allergic to. Most often they will avoid eating at catered events at all unless the caterer has an allergy control policy. People with severe allergies may opt to avoid eating in public altogether.

It’s a wise precaution to ask all attendees if they have allergies before deciding on your catering needs. Provide a space on your booking form or invitation that asks event attendees to provide information on foods that can make them ill. It might be necessary to modify the menu if, for instance, a peanut allergy sufferer is attending the event, as peanut proteins in the air are enough to provoke a severe reaction in some people. Once you have a clear picture of the types of food to avoid, you will be able to discuss your options with the caterer, but before you put a lot of time into providing an allergy-free menu, do ask your attendees if they want this service. They may prefer to arrange their own meals.

More and more caterers are becoming allergy-conscious and providing menus with items that are free of milk, gluten, nuts and other allergy-provoking foods.
When discussing catering options, you should ask about dishes and ingredients. Reputable caterers will give you clear, accurate information. The source of ingredients (are they processed in a factory that also processes nuts, for instance?), storage and handling must have included allergy control techniques. The preparation and serving of foods must take allergy control into account.

In any case, planning ahead by getting clear and accurate information from your guests is paramount when catering for allergy sufferers.