Allergen labelling in the canteen: weekly menu, serving counter and documentation
In canteens, cafeterias and contract catering the dishes change daily but the guests stay – and know their allergies well. Allergens therefore belong in three places: in the weekly menu, at the serving counter and in documentation staff can access at any time. The basis is a recipe database in which every component is stored with its allergens.
Allergens in the weekly menu
- State the major allergens for each dish – with full names or codes plus a legend.
- Consider components (side, sauce, salad) separately if guests combine them freely.
- Correct short-notice changes on the notice board and online too.
Cards at the serving counter
At the counter or salad bar, guests decide within seconds. One card per component with name and allergens is easiest to understand. Because many dishes recur regularly, it pays to create the cards properly once and reprint quickly when needed.
Recipe changes and substitutes
- Check substitutes (e.g. a different stock or dressing) for allergens before use.
- Update recipe changes in the database immediately, not with the next menu.
- Document approvals by a responsible person.
- Record which cards were printed when and with which information.
How Catering Cat helps
Catering Cat stores ingredients with their allergens and derives the allergens of every dish from them. If an ingredient changes, affected dishes must be reviewed again. You print cards for the counter (4 fold-over cards per A4) and an allergen overview table. Every print job stores an immutable copy of the printed information – useful for documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Do canteens have to label allergens?
Yes. In contract catering too, guests must be informed about the 14 major allergens; in Germany the LMIDV sets out how this may be done.
Is the information in the menu enough?
A menu with allergens is written information. If guests choose components freely at the counter, additional cards there are much easier to understand.
How do I document allergen information?
Keep recipes with all ingredients and allergens up to date, record approvals and archive printed versions – so you can trace which information guests had and when.
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Start for freeCatering Cat supports the management of allergen information and does not replace a legal review.