Food allergy information sharing and communication strategies in full-service restaurants in the U.S.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to explore how restaurant staff shares food allergy information with and communicate risks to customers with food allergies. Results of the online survey indicated that very few restaurants had separate allergen-free menus, yet the majority of servers had never or rarely asked if customers had any food allergy. Informing customers when the food preparer is unable to provide allergen-free meals, including a statement on the menu advising customers to inform servers their food allergies, and having a written protocol with procedures for serving allergen-free foods were perceived as the three most effective communication strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Communication
• food allergy
• restaurant
• risk message
• servers

Additional information

Funding

This research was partially funded by the Kansas State University, Graduate School, Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Small Grant Program.