Can you cater allergy safer?
Your business depends on it!
With the ever increasing number of people developing food allergies, it is predicted that half the UK population will be allergic to at least one food by 2026!
What is Cater Allergy Safer all about?
After years of working in hospitality, and living with food allergies, it became apparent to our founder that there is a real need for support and training around food allergen awareness and management in the hospitality industry.
The problem
The number of the population living with food allergies and specific dietary requirements is growing year on year, predicted by Allergy UK to reach 50% of the population in 2026. With this being a fact that we can no longer ignore, it is ever more important to be able to feed them safely. These are potential customers, and effectively the future of hospitality.
For the industry, catering for the Food Hypersensitive (FHS) diner can, quite frankly, be a headache, and we understand why that is. This is why we have developed the solution to that challenge.
There are plenty of businesses who are already working hard to cater for FHS customers, but the customers don’t know about you.
The solution: Cater Allergy Safer Recognition
With a Cater Allergy Safer Recognition, your business will be able to display the window sticker, use the logo on your website and materials, be listed on our directory on our website, and have shout-outs on social media to the allergy community, all for 12 months from the date of your successful Allergen Audit.
How to get recognised
For a food business to be recognised, they must demonstrate legal compliance as a minimum, through to exceptional allergen management. There are currently 3 levels of rating under the Cater Allergy Safer audit system, though there may be scope to add a further 2 levels in the future.
One Star:
- All staff must have Level 2 Food Safety.
- All staff must have either Level 2 Food Allergen Awareness Training (RQF), or have completed the Food Standards’ Agency Allergen Awareness Training.
- The business must have a documented Food Allergen Policy.
- The business must display a notice reminding customers to mention allergies when ordering.
- The business must have an Allergen Information Document, completed FSA matrix as minimum, which must be readily available for customers to look through.
- Allergen and Food Safety training must be updated regularly.
- The business must be able to communicate effectively between customer and kitchen.
- The business must pass a Food Allergy Friends’ Cater Allergy Safer annual audit.
Two Stars:
As for one star plus:
- Senior staff, such as the General Manager, Food & Beverage Manager, Head Chef and their deputies must have Level 3 Food Allergen Management (RQF) training.
- Ability to offer gluten free bread and chips.
- Two options on the menu to accommodate the FHS diner.
- The business must be able to demonstrate safe storage, preparation and service of food for the FHS diner.
- The business must be able to provide allergy safer food with confidence, and give the customer confidence in their ability.
Three stars:
As for two stars plus:
Demonstrate exceptional commitment to Catering Allergy Safer by taking further steps such as:-
- Free From options.
- Full ingredient information.
- Suggestions for alternative safer options.
- Ability to adapt dishes to accommodate the FHS diner.
- A dedicated person on duty every session to advocate for the FHS customer.
- Dedicated equipment and/or areas for preparation and cooking.
- Appropriate information on the website.
- An app for customers and staff to help with allergen and ingredient information.
- Training in Anaphylaxis and EpiPen® use.
Cater Allergy Safer Programmes
We are aware that all businesses are not the same, therefore the Cater Allergy Safer programmes can be tailored to the needs of individual businesses.
The programmes provide everything needed to prepare your business for the Cater Allergy Safer Audit, and the three options outlined below are starting points.
Complete our questionnaire to help us learn how compliant and competent your business is now. This information will help us establish where you need help, and what improvements you need to make. We will then call you to discuss our findings, with no-obligation, and plan the way forward for you to Cater Allergy Safer.
 |  |  |
Cater Allergy Safer | Cater Allergy Safer | Cater Allergy Safer |
Essentials | Core | Plus |
The one stop solution to gaining the confidence of the food hypersensitive customer. Valid for 12 months | The solution for those who want to reassure their customers that their business is allergen aware. Valid for 12 months | Showing the world you are going one step further to keep the food allergic diner safe. Valid for 12 months |
£1,000 | £2,000 | £3,000 |
Menu and Allergen Information Appraisal Introduction to Allergens elearning for up to 12 learners 2 hours Consultancy | Menu and allergen information appraisal and report Accredited Level 2 Food Allergen Awareness for up to 12 learners 4 Hours of consultancy | Menu and Allergen Information Appraisal and Report Accredited Level 3 Food Allergen Management for up to 6 learners Accredited Level 2 Food Allergen Awareness for up to 6 learners 6 hours of consultancy |
Click here to learn more about the criteria for recognition.