Allergen labelling in nurseries and school catering: menu plan, special diets and serving
Last updated: · Catering Cat editorial team
In nurseries and schools, children often can't yet judge their allergies themselves. So it is above all parents and staff who need to know which of the 14 major allergens are in each dish. What works: a menu plan with allergen information for parents, clear labelling at the serving counter and a firm agreement on special diets between the institution, parents and caterer.
Allergens in the menu plan
- Mark every dish in the weekly or monthly plan with its major allergens – with full names or codes plus a legend.
- Consider sides, sauces, desserts and afternoon snacks separately.
- Give parents the plan early (notice board, e-mail, parent portal) so they can plan alternatives.
- Correct short-notice changes immediately on the notice board and online, and inform the parents of affected children.
Special diets for children with allergies
- Record the relevant allergens in writing for every child with an allergy; many institutions ask for a doctor's certificate.
- Agree with the caterer which alternatives are delivered and how they are labelled (child's name, group).
- Transport, store and serve special meals separately.
- Keep a list of children with allergies for serving staff – accessible only to authorised people, in line with data protection.
Safe serving
- A card per component at the counter with name and allergens – understandable for cover staff too.
- Pictures of the dishes help younger children; responsibility still lies with staff.
- Separate serving utensils per component; avoid tree nuts and peanuts entirely if possible or keep them clearly apart.
- Keep an eye on children swapping food.
Working with the caterer
- Ask the caterer for an allergen overview for every dish and have it updated with every recipe change.
- Name a fixed contact person on both sides.
- Agree emergency procedures and train staff; in an emergency call 112 immediately.
How Catering Cat helps
School caterers and institutions with their own kitchen maintain ingredients and allergens once in Catering Cat and simply select the dishes each week. From them they can print cards for the counter (4 fold-over cards per A4) and an allergen overview table for staff and parents. With the QR menu (Pro), parents can also view the allergens on their phone.
Frequently asked questions
Do nurseries have to label allergens?
Yes. Mass catering in nurseries and schools must also state the 14 major allergens. Whoever supplies or serves the food has to provide the information.
Who is responsible – nursery or caterer?
The caterer must supply allergen information for its dishes. The institution must make sure it reaches the serving counter. Responsibilities are best agreed in writing.
How do I best inform parents?
With a menu plan that states the allergens for each dish, is shared well before the week and is updated when anything changes.
More about these allergens
Guides
- Allergen labelling at the buffet
- Create & print buffet cards
- Free template: buffet cards
- Create buffet cards in Word
- Allergen software: criteria
- LMIDV: allergens on loose food
- Labelling additives
- Allergen management: checklist
- Buffet cards for weddings
- Allergens at hotel breakfast
- Allergens in the canteen
- Corporate event & trade fair catering
- Allergens in bakeries
- Allergens on the menu
- Hotel banquets and conferences
- The 14 major allergens
Ready for your next buffet?
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Start for freeCatering Cat supports the management of allergen information and does not replace a legal review.