More and more people are declaring themselves allergic or intolerant to certain foods. Choosing a menu and managing room service at an event can be a real headache! Here are a few ideas to help you make the right choices.
Definitions
A food sensitivity manifests itself as an adverse reaction to a food that individuals can usually consume safely. Food sensitivities include food allergies and intolerances, as well as chemical sensitivities.
A food allergy is a sensitivity caused by a reaction of the immune system to a particular protein found in a food. In allergic individuals, the immune system mistakenly equates a food protein with a harmful agent and reacts by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). When the person is re-exposed to the same food protein, IgE antibodies and chemicals such as histamine are released. Histamine can trigger reactions in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin and cardiovascular system.
Certain foods in particular are responsible for the majority of food allergies:
Celiac disease is an inherited disorder caused by the consumption of gluten. Currently, the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.
A food intolerance is a food sensitivity that does not trigger an immune response in the individual.
Chemical sensitivities occur when chemical substances naturally present or added to food cause an adverse reaction in a person.1
Precautions to be taken
Choose a caterer whose dishes are free of the ten main allergens
Most caterers offer vegetarian and vegan options. Certainly to accommodate their customers, but also to promote a food offering in line with their ethical and environmental values. Some even cook dishes to meet the needs of people with chronic illnesses or food sensitivities. Clef en bouche in Sherbrooke, for example, has banned priority allergens from its kitchen and manages other allergies on a case-by-case basis.
Gathering the right information
The registration process is a crucial stage in the organization of an event. It’s also the ideal time to gather a wealth of practical information, which will enable you to optimize the various aspects of the event afterwards. For example, ask your guests if they have any food sensitivities, and then record this information carefully in your attendance list. The people in charge of reception on the big day should be able to refer to it easily. They will then be in a position to take the appropriate measures and limit the risk of health incidents.
Identifying people with food sensitivities
At the reception table, distribute one or more coupons to help waiters clearly identify people with allergies or intolerances. You can use different-colored cards, a picture book with or without text, etc. Explore several options, but the brigade must be able to clearly identify the problem food in order to propose a safe alternative.
Informing family and friends
If you suffer from food sensitivities, it’s your responsibility to inform the people around you. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, they will be able to identify the problem and intervene quickly. Showing them how to use an auto-injector could also prove useful.
Even if the organizing team has already been informed, he should remind the person in charge of the service of his condition. If you have any doubts about the preparation or composition of certain dishes, don’t hesitate to ask! Cases of cross-contamination are frequent, so prevention is better than cure!
1Definitionstaken from the Health Canada website.