Designing a menu with food allergies in mind

No one wants to open a menu filled with warnings. Still, there are simple and even enticing ways to provide information to help guide people with food allergies.

One approach is to include main courses and dessert that people with most common food allergies can safely order. That way, servers can confidently point out options to customers with allergies to eggs, shellfish, nuts, peanuts, milk or wheat, for example.

If foods on the menu do contain any of the leading allergens, include the ingredient in the description if possible. Instead of "apple cake" use "apple-walnut cake." Instead of "chicken stir fry" use "chicken-cashew stir fry." Instead of "seafood pasta," use "shellfish and seafood pasta." If a batter contains eggs, include eggs in the description.

Items can also be described to make it clear that they are made without common allergens-- "flourless chocolate cake," for example, or "gluten-free pasta." When it's appropriate, include a note indicating that a particular dish can be prepared without a common allergen such as wheat flour, eggs, or nuts.

To make guests with food allergies feel welcome, consider including text on the menu that specifically addresses their concerns. "We welcome guests with special dietary needs. Please alert your waiter or waitress if you have food allergies or intolerances and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Preparing your meal may take a little longer, but we're happy to take the extra time."

Include details on your website

If your restaurant or dining facility maintains a website, consider posting a detailed list of ingredients for each dish. That way, people with food allergies can review their options in advance. Food giants like McDonald's, Outback Steakhouse, and P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro post menus with complete ingredient lists online, providing both nutrition and allergen information.

If your website allows people to make reservations on-line, consider adding features that specifically address food allergies. Encourage people with food allergies to make a reservation 24 hours in advance, for instance, so that you will be ready to accommodate their needs. Your website can also include a version of an allergy alert card, which guests can fill out online or print and bring with them.

Remember, for guests with food allergies, there are no "secret ingredients." It is your responsibility to tell your guests exactly what a dish contains.