29/04/2025
🌟🌟Allergy Awareness at Gourmet Grazing🌟🌟
(Its a long one...sorry)
This weekend, we catered an event with a specific request: no peanuts. As with all allergy-related concerns, we took this incredibly seriously — because when it comes to allergies, it's not just about preference, it's about safety.
We provided the client with a clear breakdown of how we handle allergy requests, and we want to share some of that with you — not only to be transparent about our process but to help others understand how vital it is to ask the right questions when ordering food.
Here’s what we explained:
“We are confident in creating an event that avoids the use of peanuts. However, due to food hygiene regulations, we must be clear that unless a kitchen has never handled peanuts at all, it cannot legally be described as 100% peanut-free.
We take every precaution when sourcing and preparing food, but we can’t control where products like cheese or crackers are made. Some may carry a ‘may contain peanuts’ warning due to manufacturing processes.
While we do not use peanuts in any of our produce, and there were absolutely no peanuts in the kitchen during (and in the week leading up to) this event, a zero-risk guarantee is not possible in any mixed-use environment.
We asked the client whether foods with ‘may contain’ labels were acceptable or if they required an even stricter approach. This allowed us to tailor the menu with safety front of mind.”
We also contacted our butcher to confirm their practices, triple-checked all ingredients (even querying items like olives marked ‘may contain’), and followed our usual thorough cleaning protocols before any food prep began.
We’re happy to report the event was a great success, and most importantly, the client felt confident, informed, and safe.
NB: If you simply dislike an ingredient, please just let us know — we’re always happy to cater to your preferences. But please try not to describe it as an allergy unless it truly is. For example, saying you're allergic to hazelnuts but fine with Nutella, or allergic to cheese but not dairy, can create confusion and may discredit the serious nature of real allergies. We always want to get it right — and clear, honest communication helps us do just that.
When ordering catering, especially for someone with a severe allergy, always speak openly with your provider, ask questions, and make sure you trust their knowledge and procedures. It’s not just a policy — it’s protection.
🌟If you ever have allergy concerns or special dietary requests, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to talk through options and tailor your event safely and thoughtfully. Your trust means everything to us.
🌟 Not ordering just yet? Save this post or share it with someone who might need it — you never know when it could help ensure a safer, more informed catering experience.
