Hosting a Safe Backyard Barbecue with Food-Allergic Guests 0
2016-06-06 08:47:30
Hosting a party with children or adults that have food allergies doesn’t have to be scary. With a little planning, everyone can be included!
Hosting a party with children or adults that have food allergies doesn’t have to be scary. With a little planning, everyone can be included!
Include questions about allergies on your invitation. Make sure to ask about possible allergies. Make sure you know who in the family has the allergy and how severe it is.
Keep the Grill/Counters clean. Make sure to keep unsafe foods separate from those that are safe. Avoid crumbs or traces of foods, and don’t cook safe and unsafe foods using the same grill or pans.
Beware of severe allergies. If a guest has a severe allergy to a food, it’s best to avoid the food entirely for the party. Enlist the help of the food allergy family to make sure all foods are safe. If it is a potluck dinner, ask how the family can feel comfortable with food at the party (perhaps they can help plan the menu). Clear labeling and some links to educational sites might help.
Clearly Label Foods. If you plan to serve a mix of safe and unsafe foods, make sure you provide clear labeling for guests. If the child has a food allergy, consider putting foods that are not safe up high or in a clearly marked location so they don’t accidentally eat the food.
Potluck? Provide guidelines. If different people will be bringing food, provide specific guidelines on types of foods that are safe, and mistakes to avoid. Ask that people clearly label foods and put the ingredients on the labels. Ask parents of children with food allergies to review food choices for their child.
Avoid cross-contamination. Keep foods that are not safe at a separate table to avoid contamination.
Ask for help. If it feels too overwhelming, ask people to pitch in. Families with food allergies would probably be happy to bring a dessert or side dish that works.
Make the comfort of the family with food allergies a top priority. If a child has many allergies or risks a severe reaction, a parent may be most comfortable providing their own food. Explain that your goal is to make the party most comfortable for them. You will make their day!
Hosting a party with children or adults that have food allergies doesn’t have to be scary. With a little planning, everyone can be included!
Include questions about allergies on your invitation. Make sure to ask about possible allergies. Make sure you know who in the family has the allergy and how severe it is.
Keep the Grill/Counters clean. Make sure to keep unsafe foods separate from those that are safe. Avoid crumbs or traces of foods, and don’t cook safe and unsafe foods using the same grill or pans.
Beware of severe allergies. If a guest has a severe allergy to a food, it’s best to avoid the food entirely for the party. Enlist the help of the food allergy family to make sure all foods are safe. If it is a potluck dinner, ask how the family can feel comfortable with food at the party (perhaps they can help plan the menu). Clear labeling and some links to educational sites might help.
Clearly Label Foods. If you plan to serve a mix of safe and unsafe foods, make sure you provide clear labeling for guests. If the child has a food allergy, consider putting foods that are not safe up high or in a clearly marked location so they don’t accidentally eat the food.
Potluck? Provide guidelines. If different people will be bringing food, provide specific guidelines on types of foods that are safe, and mistakes to avoid. Ask that people clearly label foods and put the ingredients on the labels. Ask parents of children with food allergies to review food choices for their child.
Avoid cross-contamination. Keep foods that are not safe at a separate table to avoid contamination.
Ask for help. If it feels too overwhelming, ask people to pitch in. Families with food allergies would probably be happy to bring a dessert or side dish that works.
Make the comfort of the family with food allergies a top priority. If a child has many allergies or risks a severe reaction, a parent may be most comfortable providing their own food. Explain that your goal is to make the party most comfortable for them. You will make their day!