To assist food allergy sufferers DCCS have access to databases of specifications for the products we use. We will then work to compile a diet sheet, which our kitchen staff will apply.

To ensure our customers are aware of our policy, signs will be displayed in the kitchen, which state: ‘Customers with special dietary need or allergies are welcome to discuss their requirements with our catering staff.’ We also ask School staff to communicate this message to parents and care staff.

The DCCS Food Allergies Policy follows:

Food allergies are estimated to affect 1% or 2% of the adult population and are more prevalent in young people.

The more common allergic foods are eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, peanuts, soya, wheat and tree nuts.  Allergies to certain foods, such as peanuts and peanut products, other nuts, seeds and their derivatives and shellfish can be particularly acute.  If any of our customers has a severe food allergy, it is vital they are aware of the types and categories of food they can eat.

We recommend parents should seek the advice of a doctor or state registered dietician if they believe their child might be allergic to particular foods and notify the school or college.

For our part we will:

• Encourage our customers and their parents to notify us if they are suffering from any allergy and to which foods such an allergy relates.
• Ensure our staff are aware of the significance of the use of nut and nut products.
• Provide information to customers as to whether the ingredients or flavouring, used in products contain nuts or seeds.
• Ensure our staff are aware of the school/college policy regarding first aid and administering medication.