Allergen-Friendly Catering: What CBD Offices Need to Know
Food allergies aren't just a personal preference — for some team members, they're a genuine health and safety concern. As an employer or office manager organising catering, understanding allergen-friendly catering isn't optional. Here's what to know.
Why Allergen Information Matters
Common allergens — including nuts, dairy, gluten, and shellfish — can cause reactions ranging from mild discomfort to serious medical emergencies. Clear allergen labelling on catering menus isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for keeping your team safe and included.
What to Look For in Allergen-Friendly Catering
Clear Labelling on Every Item
The best catering menus label allergens directly on each item — for example, marking dishes that contain nuts (N), dairy (DF for dairy-free alternatives), or gluten.
Separation of Allergen-Containing Items
Where possible, look for caterers who can identify which items contain nuts or other major allergens, so these can be placed separately or clearly marked on the spread — helping avoid cross-contact for sensitive team members.
A Genuine Range of Safe Options
Allergen-friendly doesn't mean "one safe item in the corner." A good caterer offers a spread where allergen-aware team members still have real choice — not just the leftovers.
How to Order Allergen-Friendly Catering
Ask your team in advance — before placing a recurring or large order, check if anyone has allergies that need to be accounted for
Communicate with your caterer — let them know about specific allergies (especially nuts and shellfish, which carry higher risk) so they can advise on suitable items
Label the spread on arrival — when food arrives, keep any provided labels visible so team members can self-select safely
Don't assume "vegetarian" means "allergen-free" — vegetarian and vegan items can still contain nuts, sesame, or gluten
A Note on Workplace Responsibility
While catering menus provide guidance, it's worth checking your workplace's policies on food allergies — particularly for offices with team members who have severe (anaphylaxis-risk) allergies, where additional precautions may be needed beyond standard labelling.
Allergen-Aware Catering at Zest
At Zest, our menus clearly label dietary and allergen information — including nuts (N), dairy-free (DF), vegetarian (V), and vegan (VG) — so you can order with confidence for your whole team.
Have specific dietary or allergen requirements for your next order? Get in touch and we'll help you put together a menu that works for everyone.
