Dealing With Food Allergies in the Workplace

Birthday parties, team lunches and treats on the holidays—so much of workplace culture revolves around food. That is challenging as food allergies are on the rise, with more than 50 million Americans living with them, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“There is an increased prevalence of food allergies in the past 20 to 30 years as well as increasing awareness [about them],” says Dr. Robert Hickey, a partner at Allergy Associates of NH, which has offices in Dover and Portsmouth. “It is estimated 8 to 10% of children have food allergies.”

While dealing with food allergies can be a logistical nightmare for those planning company events or taking a group lunch order, it can be deadly for those suffering from them.

“A true food allergy needs care and accommodation,” Hickey says, adding that allergies to peanuts and tree nuts can be particularly severe and it is important that businesses providing baked goods at a company function make employees aware if  they contain those ingredients. “I tell my patients if you are not sure, don’t eat it.”

The nine most common food allergens, according to the FDA, are: Milk

1. Eggs
2. Fish
3. Shellfish
4. Tree nuts
5. Peanuts
6. Wheat
7. Soy
8. Sesame (which was added as a common food allergen by the   FDA in 2021)

The FDA recommends companies send employees a survey that allows them to privately disclose food allergies or dietary restrictions. Or the company can create an online form that employees can fill out, according to a report from the Harvard Business Review. However, that information needs to be kept confidential with human resources as food allergies are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to the FDA. “Reinforce that you’re only asking so you can offer reasonable accommodations for dietary requirements,” the FDA states in an August 2023 report.

Companies should also update their policies around food, including allowing employees to eat lunch at their desk and creating allergen-free areas. “If creating allergen-free zones and green-lighting desk lunches isn’t an option, consider banning those allergens altogether. This may not be easy, nor a popular measure, so be sure to have an open conversation with all employees,” the FDA report states.

Once companies know what food allergies they are dealing with, they should create a list of allergy-free vendors, including local restaurants and caterers, according to the FDA. When placing orders, make sure to let the vendor know about food allergies.

Hickey says businesses should have food alternatives that don’t have allergens in them. “Some people will bring their own safe treats, sweets, and snacks so they can participate in the communal aspect but do it safely. Others will just opt out,” he says.

Think ordering drinks is safe? Think again. Some alcohol can contain gluten and may set off a reaction in people with gluten allergies. “Instead, order a gluten-free beer or a glass of wine,” the FDA suggests.

If offering a buffet, make sure any possible allergens in the food is clearly listed. To avoid cross contamination, make sure each dish has its own serving utensils and consider placing allergen foods at a separate table, the FDA report states.

And while breaking bread together can be a great way to bond, companies should make sure social events don’t always revolve around food in order to be inclusive, according to a December 2022 report in the Harvard Business Review.

Those with food allergies should discuss their food allergies with a supervisor when they are hired, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). If your food allergy is severe or can be fatal, make sure to have epinephrine auto-injectors with you at all times and make sure someone at work also knows where it is located, FARE states on its website. Also consider wearing medical identification.

By creating policies that take food allergies into consideration, developing company events that are not food centric and providing employees with ways to divulge food allergies easily and confidentially, companies can create safer and more inclusive workplaces.