Fairfield University
VerifiedWe have ingredient information for the top 8 allergens, sesame, and mustard is available at our deli, salad toss, action station, and omelet bar for short order stations- additional ingredient information is available upon request.
All self-serve items list the top 8 allergens and mustard, and sesame additional ingredient information is available upon request.
We have cross-contact procedures in place for our deli station. There is an established procedure at this station along with reminders on steps to take if a student asks for special dietary requests. At this station menu items are made on a separate surface, using items from back up containers and separate utensils.
If a special request is made a manager can be approached and a special item can be prepared in the back of the house for the student or by one of our allergen chefs. Students also have the ability ask for items from back up containers to avoid any cross contact at any of the food
Yes, we have cross-contact procedures in place for our receiving staff, storage, preparation and service of self-serve items. Our receiving staff is trained on how to handle damaged, high risk and substituted items, all brought to the executive chef. There are procedures in place on how items are stored, with shelves properly labeled. Allergen-free items are stored above allergen-containing items along with a separate area for gluten free and allergen free items. We have separate storage areas for produce, and dairy, also have a separate refrigerator for our special dietary request students. In our self-serve stations we have established procedures for the layout of self-serve items with like allergen containing items together and allergen-free items together. We take precautions by having separate utensils for every item, labeling stations properly with the top 8 allergens, signage notifying students of accommodations for those with food allergies or diet restrictions, and requesting disclosure of special dietary needs rather than taking from self-serve areas.
Yes, we have cross-contact procedures in place for our receiving staff, storage, preparation and service of self-serve items. Our receiving staff is trained on how to handle damaged, high risk and substituted items, all brought to the executive chef. There are procedures in place on how items are stored, with shelves properly labeled. Allergen-free items are stored above allergen-containing items along with a separate area for gluten free and allergen free items. We have separate storage areas for produce, and dairy, also have a separate refrigerator for our special dietary request students. In our self-serve stations we have established procedures for the layout of self-serve items with like allergen containing items together and allergen-free items together. We take precautions by having separate utensils for every item,signage notifying students of accommodations for those with food allergies or diet restrictions, and requesting disclosure of special dietary needs rather than taking from self-serve areas.
Students that require special dietary requests can have their meals pre-ordered after going through the necessary procedures. Students are able to email the executive chefs and campus dietitian their menu requests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with special packaged snacks that are available in the dining hall for them in their lockers. There are policies and procedures in place targeted for how staff cleans and sanitize the preparation surface before preparing each pre-ordered meal. Each student has their own allergy kit including knives, cutting boards, dedicated utensils and equipment which each of their meals are prepared on. After each meal is prepared it is covered and placed in a designated area while awaiting pick up. If a meal comes into contact with an allergen it is discarded and remade. Our facility has one chef designated to make allergen meals and special dietary requests.
At Fairfield we have a station called True Balance which is free from 8 out of the top 9 allergens including milk, egg, tree-nuts, peanuts, shellfish, soy, sesame and wheat/gluten. This station is open for 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. All of the employees at True Balance have gone through extensive allergy training and prepare all meals on equipment dedicated for allergen free prep. All food at True Balance is served by our employees on dedicated green plates to reduce the risk of cross-contact. Menus are available online at www.fairfield.edu/dining
In addition to True Balance, we do have a dedicated gluten free pantry called the Stress Less Zone that is only accessible by student ID swipe. This area is stocked with a variety of gluten free breads, bagels, muffins, desserts, chips, frozen meals, a dedicated gluten free toaster, and a gluten free pizza oven. Students who are interested in getting access to this area should reach out to the Campus Dietitian.
The topics covered in training include food allergy 101, anaphylaxis, avoiding cross- contact, college and university policies and emergency policies and procedures, gluten free, top 8 allergens.
food allergies and gluten-free training for dorm setting, how to recognize anaphylaxis, how to treat it, how to properly use epinephrine auto injector, and how to accommodate students with allergies during programing.
Residence Life does their best to advise RAs to know their students and the student needs. We are generally mindful of allergies.
We are a student centered office in Residence Life and we work in partnership with the Accessibility office to support students and their allergy needs.
Yes, students will contact the Assistant Vice President to touch base regarding a self-disclosure. The dinning staff including executive chef and dietitian will be contacted in order to make the proper accommodations needed for the prospective meal plan. The student will also contact the health center and work with the staff to assure the proper safety and emergency plans are in effect regarding the student’s allergies. This information can be accessed here: under food allergies https://www.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/student-life-and-services/healt…
Students can submit accommodation requests by filling out an intake form provided by accessibility services. This is a digital form available online for next semester. The intake form can be found and downloaded here at this website: https://www.fairfield.edu/graduate/academics/resources/academic-and-car…
Epinephrine is available in all of our dining locations. It is stored in non-locking allergen emergency kits. When the box is opened an alarm sounds signaling a person is having an allergic reaction. All of our managers, chefs, supervisors, and hourly staff are trained on how to use recognize and allergic reaction and how to administer epinephrine.