Food Allergies, Dietary Restrictions & Dietary Needs
Do you have a food allergy, intolerance or dietary restriction?
The University of Guelph Hospitality Services and SNAP (Student Nutrition Awareness Program) understand that many of our students have special dietary needs. Our Registered Dietitian, Chefs and Managers will work with students who have dietary restrictions by providing them guidance in making informed decisions while dining on campus.
Keep an eye out for these dietary icons on our menu tags.
If you are a student with food allergies or the parent of a student with food allergies, we encourage you to contact SNAP with any questions, comments or concerns. SNAP will be happy to answer your question(s) or direct you to the Hospitality Services Dietitian.
For assistance when dining on campus please ask to speak to a manager or chef.
Additional Resources
We are committed to help you dine safely while on campus.
Responsible Inquiry: Students
Although Hospitality Services takes measures to accommodate the dietary needs of our students, it is the responsibility of the student with the food allergy to inquire about ingredients and preparation to successfully avoid their food allergens. As a precaution, students are asked to always identify any dietary needs, allergies and intolerances to staff each time they place an order.
Allergy Procedure
The safety of our students is a high priority at the University of Guelph Hospitality Services.
We encourage any student with dietary concerns to contact our SNAP Coordinator.
A meeting can be scheduled with our Registered Dietitian before or early in the school year to tour dining halls and review regular dining stations for areas of caution for students with severe food allergies and/or strict dietary restrictions.
If students have any concerns about food served on campus, all they need to do is ask. In the dining areas, hospitality staff, managers, and chefs are available to answer questions.
We strongly encourage all students with severe food allergies living in residence to complete and submit a Food Allergy Emergency Plan Form, which will be posted out of public view in the dining halls.
Designated on campus housing is available for students with special dietary needs, conditional upon availability. These facilities include student housing kitchens and common spaces free from common food allergens, as well as kosher kitchens.
The First Response Team (FRT) carry spare EpiPens®. If a student has a prescribed EpiPen®, it is their responsibility to keep it on them at all times.
Lists of Ingredients
Hospitality Services staff are able to direct you to our dining hall menus and ingredients which should assist in answering your question(s). We do not identify for all allergens on our ingredient cards or menus. However, we can reasonably guide you to the information so that you are able to make informed food choices. In the case of a severe and life threatening food allergy or one which substantially limits your food options, we recommend contacting SNAP and asking for a manager or chef while dining on campus.
Training
All new and existing food service staff complete mandatory annual health and safety training which includes section(s) specifically focused on food safety and cross-contamination prevention. Furthermore, our chefs possess their Food Handler’s Certification and are required to renew this certification every 5 years.
Moving into residence with an allergy?
Click here for more information about special accommodations in residence and to fill out an Accessibility Accommodation Form.
Registered Dietitian
Jessie Trupp is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for health, well-being, food, and nutrition. She completed an undergraduate degree in Applied Human Nutrition followed by the Master of Applied Nutrition both at the University of Guelph. Now, she is back on campus working as the Dietitian in Hospitality Services!
In addition to food service and management, Jessie has a background in nutrition and mental health. She believes nutritious foods can also be delicious, and that you should not have to sacrifice what you enjoy in order to lead a balanced lifestyle.
Jessie's main roles on campus include meeting with students with allergies and other dietary restrictions upon request, collaborating with chefs and managers on department initiatives, and supervising the Student Nutrition Awareness Program (SNAP).
- Are you a student with an allergy, intolerance or other dietary restriction who would like to discuss on campus menu options?
- Are you a student group, professor or other campus member who would like to request a workshop or guest lecture?
Contact Jessie at jtrupp@uoguelph.ca
Food Allergy Disclaimer
University of Guelph Hospitality Services makes every effort to accommodate the various dietary requirements of our customers and handles food allergies seriously. Every effort is made to instruct our staff regarding the potential severity of food allergies. University of Guelph Hospitality Services staff consults individually with students with food allergies to minimize allergic reactions.
Please be advised that our menu items may contain allergens, may have come in contact with items containing allergens, and there is always a risk of contamination or cross contact. In addition, the potential does exist, that food manufacturers may change their formulation or manner of processing without our knowledge. We do not guarantee the accuracy of ingredient information.
Ingredient and nutrition content of foods may vary due to changes in product formulation, recipe substitutions, portion size and other factors. Customers with concerns need to be aware of these risks. University of Guelph Hospitality Services will assume no liability for any adverse reactions that may occur in the dining facilities. For assistance when dining on campus please ask to speak to a manager or chef.