FOOD ALLERGIES & RESTRICTIONS
Our Mission
Our dining services are committed to providing a healthy, safe experience for all; that includes taking measures to ensure the needs of those with allergies and dietary restrictions.
All of the food we serve is labeled with any of the FDA “Top 9” food allergens it contains and whether or not it is vegan, vegetarian, or fits our “avoiding gluten” designation. Furthermore, our staff completes extensive training on food allergies and food safety such as FARECheck Silver and Gold Certifications. Additionally, we have the OASIS food station in our Spangler Food Court that does not include any of the FDA “Top 9” food allergens (eggs, milk, wheat, shellfish, fish, soy, sesame, peanuts and tree nuts).
What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy occurs when the body mistakes a food as a foreign threat, causing an immune reaction.
Symptoms vary in severity but may include digestive discomfort, rashes, hives or swelling of the mouth and throat. Severe allergic reactions can be life threatening. All allergic reactions, regardless of the severity, require immediate attention. In the event of an allergic reaction, call 911 immediately; have the person lay down and ask if they have self-administered epinephrine (an Epi-Pen).
Labeling Allergens and Food Preferences
Our food signage on self-serve stations feature icons stating whether the dish contains any of the FDA “Top 9” food allergens, as well as whether the dish is vegan, vegetarian, “avoiding gluten.” We also identify the type of animal protein included in the dish and whether there is any alcohol present.
Furthermore, we have worked to enhance our menu item names to more clearly indicate what is inside them. For example, a spicy chicken dish that has been marinated in a soy product would be called “Spicy Soy-Marinated Chicken.” Similarly, all pre-packaged food items are named to best reflect the ingredients they contain. Grab-and-go packaged items also contain a label with full ingredient disclosure, nutritional information, as well as a “contains” statement listing all of the FDA “Top 9” food allergens present.
Avoiding Gluten
The Avoiding Gluten program offers menu items prepared without gluten-containing ingredients in a gluten environment.
“Avoiding gluten” menu items avoid barley, rye, malt, oat and wheat. We use the term “avoiding gluten” instead of “gluten free” because we handle and prepare menu items with gluten-containing ingredients in our main kitchens.
Oasis
Restaurant Associates is aware of the severity of certain food allergies and the stress they can cause.
In an effort to provide each guest with a high-quality, healthy and safe dining experience, we have implemented the OASIS station into our Food Court.
OASIS is a unique food station that provides menu options that are prepared without peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, sesame, wheat or gluten. Our culinary team is dedicated to offering fresh, minimally processed meals made from single-source ingredients without hidden additives or seasonings. All food served at the OASIS station is prepared in a separate kitchen and uses equipment and utensils exclusive to them. Additionally, we take several measures to prevent cross-contact (when two or more foods items come in contact with each other through air, shared equipment, contaminated surfaces, etc.). These measures include:
- Frequent cleaning of surfaces and spaces
- Frequent hand washing and glove changing
- Using clean equipment, dishes and utensils for every dish and ingredient
- Using a dedicated fryer
- Using a separate kitchen to produce all OASIS items
- Using a separate storage room and refrigeration unit
- Using dedicated carts for food transportation
If you have severe food allergies or intolerances, we suggest you eat from the OASIS station or reach out to our allergy experts.
General Allergen Disclaimer
Please be aware that we handle and prepare eggs, milk, wheat, gluten, shellfish, fish, soy, sesame, peanut and tree nut products, and other potential allergens in the food production areas of our facility. Cross-contact may occur without our knowledge due to the close proximity of other ingredients containing allergens. Guests with food allergies or specific dietary concerns should speak with our ingredient allergen expert for individualized assistance.
Allergy Experts
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask to speak with one of our ingredient experts:
Eliza Leone
Registered Dietitian
Senior Wellness & Sustainability
Manager
Devanand Chinta
Executive Sous Chef
Allergen Warning
Be aware that we handle and prepare egg, milk, wheat, gluten, shellfish, fish, soy, sesame, peanut and tree nut products, and other potential allergens in the food production areas of our facility. Risk of cross contamination may occur without our knowledge due to the proximity of other ingredients containing allergens. Guests with food allergies or specific dietary concerns should speak with our ingredient allergen expert for individualized assistance.
