University at Buffalo
VerifiedIngredient information for all made-to-order stations is available online at myubcard.com/NetNutrition.
Allergen information is listed on nutrition line cards at made-to-order stations in the dining centers. Kiosks and nutrition QR codes are also available to scan to view nutritional information. Students are encourage to speak with a manager before placing their order.
1. We provide access to ingredient information for made-to-order* items. *Made-to-order - Meals that are prepared on request and to your specification in the dining hall. Examples include a sandwich station, omelet station, burrito station, etc.
Ingredient information is available online at myubcard.com/NetNutrition.
Allergen information is clearly labeled for self-serve items on nutrition line cards. Students can scan the nutrition QR code for ingredient and nutritional information.
2. We provide access to ingredient information for self-serve* items. *Self-serve - Meals that are served buffet-style in a dining hall. These are typically high risk for cross-contact and are best avoided by diners with food allergies.
Students are encouraged to speak to a manager before placing their order. Orders are prepared with clean and sanitized equipment and utensils. Fresh or back-up ingredients are used for food preparation to minimize the risk of cross-contact.
3. We have procedures in place to lower the risk of cross-contact in made-to-order areas.
Self-serve items are strategically placed on the line to prevent cross-contact. This includes salad bars and self-serve stations in our dining centers. Ingredients with similar allergens are grouped together and separate serving utensils are used for every item. Self-serve areas are typically high risk for cross-contact and best avoided by diners with food allergies. Students are encouraged to speak with a manager and request fresh ingredients from back-up containers.
4. We have procedures in place to lower the risk of cross-contact in self-serve areas.
Students can work with dining managers to have meals prepared ahead of time.
5. We have pre-order meals* available. *Pre-order meals - Custom meals that can be ordered in advance by a diner so they are ready for pick up at a specific time. Typically these can be ordered online or by phone/text.
Simple Kitchen is an access-controlled pantry at Goodyear Dining Center that offers food that is Certified Free From™ gluten, wheat, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, and peanuts from a third-party auditor, Kitchens with Confidence (KwC). Monthly allergen testing is done and results are sent to KwC. This space reduces the risk of cross-contact by having dedicated equipment and verified ingredients. Students can safely prepare meals with ease in this home-like kitchen.
6. We have an allergy-friendly station*. *Allergy-friendly station - A food station where specific ingredients are banned, typically including many or all items in the Top 8 allergens and gluten.
Training includes: reviewing the 8 major allergens, food intolerances/sensitivities, cross-contact, anaphylaxis, label reading, Celiac Disease, current laws and regulations, proper management procedures, proper procedures in handling food allergy related emergencies, proper back and front of the house procedures for handling allergen-free foods, key policies and strategies for effective communication with diners who have special dietary needs.
7. We train dining services staff members.
8. We have a registered dietitian* on staff. *Registered dietitian - Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts who are often tasked with helping students with food allergies navigate the dining halls.
Training topics include the big 8 allergens, common signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, emergency procedures, tips for accommodating residents in the dorms, and resources.
9. We train our RA's.
RAs have the packages of food that are purchased for students, so they can look at the ingredients on the packaging. RAs do not cook food; they only offer snacks that are pre-packed or they serve food prepared commercially.
10. We have inclusive resident life programs* including food. *Inclusive resident life programs - Programs in the resident halls often include food. Inclusive resident life programs will offer students with food allergies the opportunity to request safe food alternatives for events they attend in the dorms.
11. We offer accommodations for roommate assignments. *Every accommodation request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A housing accommodation cannot be guaranteed prior to an individual evaluation.
Accessibility provides reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. For students with a diagnosis that involve dietary concerns we collaborate with Campus Dining and Shops and Wellness Education Services.
Students can call to schedule a time to meet to discuss any questions or concerns they have and to request accommodations. For housing - http://www.buffalo.edu/campusliving/find-your-home/special-living-accom…
Students and families are encouraged to call with questions and concerns as each person and situation is individually considered.
12. Our disability office processes food allergy and celiac disease accommodation requests.
See what health services we offer >
Students that require an epinephrine device should carry it with them at all times.
13. We have stock, undesignated epinephrine* available for emergency response. *Stock, undesignated epinephrine - Epinephrine that is prescribed to a college or university rather than to a particular student. This epinephrine is kept on hand to use for any student that experiences anaphylaxis.
14. Our campus emergency responders carry epinephrine.
See what our emergency response policy allows for >