Working with special diets & allergens

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Understanding special diet needs can be complicated since there seem to be hundreds of special diet options: keto, vegan, gluten free, the list can go on and on. In fact, accommodating dietary special needs at meetings is becoming increasingly challenging as people are focusing more on their health and wellbeing than they have in the past. It is important to work with your caterer to create satisfying menus that accommodate the diverse dietary needs of attendees. Here are some of the major special diets commonly encountered:

1. Vegetarian: excludes meat, fish, and poultry. Vegetarians typically consume vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds, and may include dairy and eggs, depending on the type of vegetarianism. Different vegetarian types include: Lacto-vegetarians (consume dairy), Ovo-vegetarians (consume eggs), Lacto-ovo vegetarians (consume both dairy and eggs).

2. Vegan: excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Vegans focus on plant-based foods like vegetables, grains, nuts, and fruits.

3. Gluten-Free: excludes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and derivatives. Gluten free options are essential for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Care must be taken to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods.

4. Paleo: emulates the diet of early humans, focusing on whole foods like lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while excluding processed foods, grains, dairy, and legumes.

5. Ketogenic (Keto): a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet that aims to induce ketosis, a state where the body burns fat for energy.

6. Halal: adheres to Islamic dietary laws, with permissible foods being halal and certain foods and beverages like alcohol and pork being haram (forbidden).

7. Kosher: Follows Jewish dietary laws, including the separation of meat and dairy, and the exclusion of certain animals and seafood. Requires kosher certification for ingredients and sometimes separate kitchens for meat and dairy.

8. Lactose-Free: Excludes lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

9. Pescatarian: Similar to vegetarianism but includes fish and seafood.

When planning menus or catering for an event, it's important to ask about guests' dietary requirements in advance and provide clear labeling of dishes to ensure everyone can make safe and enjoyable food choices. Offering a variety of options that cater to different dietary needs not only ensures inclusivity but also enhances the overall meeting experience.

Major Allergens

Managing food allergies is a critical aspect of food service and planning to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. According to the USDA, the nine major allergens currently include:

1. Milk: This includes all dairy products made from cow's milk, such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. It's important to note that lactose intolerance and milk allergy are different conditions.

2. Eggs: Both the whites and yolks of eggs can trigger allergic reactions. Egg proteins are often found in baked goods, some pasta, and many processed foods.

3. Fish: Fish allergies are usually specific to certain types of fish. Individuals with a fish allergy must avoid the specific fish they are allergic to and be cautious of cross-contamination.

4. Shellfish: This category includes crustaceans and mollusks like shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, and clams. Shellfish allergies are among the most common and can cause severe reactions.

5. Tree Nuts: Includes nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. Many people with a tree nut allergy are allergic to more than one type of tree nut.

6. Peanuts: Peanuts are legumes, not true nuts, but their allergenic potential is high and can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

7. Wheat: Wheat allergies are different from celiac disease, which is a sensitivity to gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. Wheat allergies can lead to serious reactions and necessitate avoidance of all wheat-containing products.

8. Soy: Soybeans are a common ingredient in processed foods, sauces, and some meat products, like sausages or meat extenders. Soy allergies vary in severity among individuals.

9. Sesame: Sesame allergy is becoming more common; sesame seeds are used in many popular food items including hummus, some salad dressings, seeded crackers, some breads, and many Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Understanding these special dietary needs helps you become a better planner and build on your menu design skills. Be strategic and ask about dietary special needs and requests early in the planning process (ideally during registration), and you are guaranteed to make your job easier. Find a trustworthy chef or catering company to design the best options for your meeting.

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