Purdue University
VerifiedQuesadilla, pizza & pasta lines, sizzling salad lines, and stir fry lines
A high level, Allertrained dining staff member prepares allergic students’ meals in the station or in the back of the house when requested to ensure safety from cross contact.
All self-serve areas have signage with Big 8 Allergen information posted in the dining court. We make every effort to keep food from cross contact in these areas but if there is a chance for anaphylaxis, we encourage a guest or student to request products from behind the line to decrease chance of cross contact.
We label for the Big 8 Allergens plus some additional information. We strive for accuracy and consistency in labeling, however we cannot guarantee that an item has not changed or come in from a manufacturer with a different ingredient. We monitor this very carefully and at every meal. In some cases, due to current information system software, a few items may not have ingredient information available on line. We are always willing to get a package for a guest to review when they are in the dining operation. We also keep recipes available for anyone who wishes to see ingredients used in a product.
We label for the Big 8 Allergens. We strive for accuracy and consistency in this area, however we cannot guarantee that an item has not changed or come in from a manufacturer with a different ingredient. We monitor this very carefully and at every meal. If a student has made arrangements in advance, they have an email address to contact the dining staff. Otherwise, we have signs posted for those who enter the dining court and need assistance. Supervisory staff is contacted on the radio and come to assist the guest in finding appropriate food. If needed, the staff member will prepare an individual meal that is allergen free for the guest or student. Toppings and ingredients are taken from back-up containers if a student makes a special dietary meal request. Meals for diners with special dietary needs are made on a separate surface.
We have signage posted for students with allergies to connect with a trained individual for help when entering the dining court.
In all dining courts, all staff are trained in allergy awareness. Any guest or self-identified student with allergies is encouraged to request "allergen free foods" for any meal. Shift leaders and Administrators work individually with each person to make sure the items are prepared without cross contact. Food items are prepared on separate equipment, with clean utensils and clean gloved hands, from foods that are unexposed to the contamination of self serve areas. Calling or ordering ahead is encouraged for students who may be in a hurry to get food and go to classes or meetings. We are unable to guarantee changes in food products from the manufacturer will be labeled, as we are not always notified of processing or handling changes in processing.
A high level, Allertrained dining staff member prepares allergic students’ meals in the station or in the back of the house to avoid cross-contact. With new recommendations listed on this audit, we are now aware of the need to further develop and incorporate additional proactive practices into our receiving and storage routines to decrease any chance of cross-contact in these areas.
If a student has made arrangements in advance, they will have an email address and phone contacts for the dining staff to share their arrival and meal preference information. Otherwise, we have signs posted for those who enter the dining court and need assistance. Supervisory staff is contacted on the radio and come to assist the guest in finding appropriate food.
Staff receives training explaining the seriousness of food allergies and celiac disease. Staff is trained on proper cleaning methods to avoid cross-contact. Dining staff is trained on proper procedures in their area to prevent cross-contact and prepare a meal for a diner with a special dietary need. This may be done for designated employees rather than all employees. There is at least one trained staff member at every dining facility during operating hours who can handle special dietary requests and questions.
Managers are trained on:
• Recognizing anaphylaxis
• Proper treatment for anaphylaxis
• University policies regarding emergency response for anaphylaxis
• Which first responders respond to anaphylactic reactions and whether they carry epinephrine
Non-managerial dining staff are trained on:
• Recognizing anaphylaxis
• How to respond to anaphylaxis in accordance with university policies
For over 10 years, Dining staff at Purdue University have worked with guests and students to provide allergen free food items. Training staff on food allergies started at Purdue before it was mandated or legislated. Serving students and guests with food allergies has been a way of life. It started as a grass roots movement to help a few students, it has grown and is now being formalized with policies and procedures that support our passion for serving students with allergies and intolerances.
Students can self-identify by sharing their food allergy with their Residential Life staff. If the RA is aware of a need for food requests to be inclusive, they are encouraged to do modify their food requests.
Dining staff are currently in discussion with the Residential Life leadership to arrange for RA allergy training. RA staff are currently trained to contact Purdue University on campus Fire Department for any medical emergencies.
On the housing contracting site, if the student answers 'Yes' to the question about medical condition that requires accommodation, a new window will pop up with the accommodation form. Additional information and how to submit the request to the Disability Resource Center will also be provided.
If an accommodation request is filed with the Disability Resource Center, they will work with dining to help set up the accommodation. It is also helpful for the allergic student to email allergicboiler@purdue.edu. This email connects directly with dining allergy specialists who can share specifics about dining on campus during freshman summer scheduling, orientation week, summer camps, and attending the allergy fair before school starts. Making this connection with dining staff helps resolve anxiety about dining before classes actually begin.
Disability Resource Center (DRC) staff will assist with this process, connect with them via email at drc@purdue.edu. All dining and housing accommodations are processed through the DRC office. We work collaboratively with them. http://www.purdue.edu/studentsuccess/specialized/drc/
Dining and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) staff have been very successful over the past few years as we collaborate with students with food allergies to make dining plans. Once the DRC is contacted, a meeting is set up with the student, Dining, and the DRC to create a plan for the accommodation. This has proven to work very effectively. Ultimately, we work individually with the student and their needs until they feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their plan for meals and dining at Purdue.
The emergency response team of Purdue Fire, Emergency Medical, and Paramedics are located at the fire station near the Rec Sports Center. The fire station sits adjacent and amidst the on campus residential housing units. Dining courts are located in this area as well.
Purdue Fire Department is located on campus and is within 2-5 blocks of the dining courts, in the residential area of campus. Advanced Life Support Paramedics respond to campus 911 calls. The emergency response teams are well versed in the best access to the dining courts and buildings at all hours.