A food worker receives an allergen-free meal from the cook that is ready to serve.
What should the food worker do?
a. Check with the cook to make sure the meal was properly made before serving it
b. Serve the other meals at the table first, then come back for the allergen-free meal
c. Ask the cook to cook the meal for a longer amount of time to remove any allergens
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
a. Check with the cook to make sure the meal was properly made before serving it
Explanation:
Ensuring food safety for customers with allergies is a critical responsibility for food workers. When receiving an allergen-free meal from the cook, the food worker must verify that the meal was prepared correctly and safely.
1. Confirming Proper Preparation:
Even though the cook prepared the allergen-free meal, mistakes can happen in a busy kitchen. The food worker should double-check with the cook to confirm that:
- The meal was prepared separately from allergen-containing foods.
- The correct ingredients were used.
- No cross-contact occurred with allergens during preparation.
2. Preventing Cross-Contact:
Allergens can be transferred through shared utensils, surfaces, or improper handling. Before serving, the food worker should ensure that the meal is placed on a clean, allergen-free plate and that separate utensils are used.
3. Serving the Meal First:
It is best to serve an allergen-free meal first to prevent accidental contamination from other meals. Serving other meals first (option b) increases the risk of touching allergens before handling the allergen-free dish.
4. Cooking Does Not Remove Allergens:
Requesting the cook to cook the meal longer (option c) does not remove allergens. Unlike bacteria, allergens such as peanuts, dairy, or shellfish proteins are not destroyed by heat.
5. Protecting Customers with Allergies:
Food allergies can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. A small mistake in preparation or handling can put the customer’s life at risk. The food worker plays a vital role in ensuring safety by confirming with the cook before serving.
By taking these precautions, food workers help maintain a safe dining environment and protect customers with food allergies.