Columbia University
VerifiedWhile ingredient information is not posted on our website or listed in the dining halls, students can email the Registered Dietitian for specific ingredient information.
Yes. Complete ingredient information is available on request in the dining halls. Menu items are labeled online and on-site in all dining locations for Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Halal, and top 9 allergens (also labeling pork, coconut, sunflower). For more information, visit https://dining.columbia.edu/content/food-allergies-special-diets
While ingredient information is not posted on our website or listed in the dining halls, students can email the Registered Dietitian for specific ingredient information.
Yes. Complete ingredient information is available on request in the dining halls. Menu items are labeled online and on-site in all dining locations for Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Halal, and top 9 allergens (also labeling pork, coconut, sunflower). For more information, visit https://dining.columbia.edu/content/food-allergies-special-diets
Yes. Routine cleaning of stations. Routine hand washing and glove changing for staff. Additionally, you can request that our staff change their gloves, use a new pan, utensils, etc when placing your order at cook-to-serve stations.
Yes. Separate purple cutting boards and knives for allergen stations. Staff on the floor to monitor self-serve areas to ensure that each menu item in self-serve areas has its own utensil. Routine cleaning of stations & tables. You can ask staff or a manager to serve you from a fresh pan from the main line. Allergy awareness signage posted at stations to prevent non allergy students from causing cross contact.
Columbia has a Custom Meals Program where students can pre-order allergen-friendly meals. To gain access to this program, students can reach out to the dining team and our dietitian. We will review how best to accommodate a student's food allergies. Once students have access to the Custom Meals Program, students have an app that will allow them to order ahead. A designated Custom Meals Chef will prepare requested foods, and send a complete ingredient list of products used back to the student to confirm safety.
Items containing peanuts and tree nuts are offered at the Nut Zones at John Jay and Ferris Booth, with the exception of almond milk offered in our dairy free milk fridges and occasional coconut ingredients used in cooking. We do not have a station that eliminates use of all top 9 major allergens. However, our largest dining hall, John Jay, has a gluten-free station, a vegan station, and a halal station. All dining locations have a vegan station or alternative and gluten free alternatives upon request.
Every August, a Dining orientation is held for all associates, in which an extensive training on food allergies (what they are, side effects and symptoms, the major allergens, gluten free diets, egg and dairy allergies, vegetarian versus vegan diets, and our food allergy identification key) is administered by the Registered Dietitian.
All employees complete allergen training at onboarding. Chefs, managers, and culinarians cooking custom meals must complete the highest level AllerTrain course. The training must be completed every three years. In addition, at orientation each year, our dietitian will review food allergy management procedures with all staff.
Columbia Dining
Registering with Disability Services includes submission of both the Disability Services Registration Form and disability documentation. After review of a student's documentation and registration form, Disability Services will coordinate services and accommodations based on eligibility.
Health Services on Campus will not allow Dining to have EPI pens. Health Services is located in three of the major Dining Hall locations. Additionally, we have our own EMS team for campus.