University of Arizona Food Allergy Practices for Food Allergies & Celiac Disease Resources
Culinary Services
Students are encouraged to contact the Registered Dietitian with Culinary Services if they have food allergies or celiac disease. They can also contact Residence Life and/or Disability Resource Center if they are interested in accommodations.
Nutrition assistance is available to University of Arizona students. Students in need of guidance on general nutrition, healthy eating, food allergies or other dietary restrictions may access the services of a registered dietitian. The Student Union nutrition office is located in the Student Union Memorial Center, and appointments can be made by calling 520-621-5736 or emailing SU-Nutrition@email.arizona.edu(link sends e-mail)
Campus Health Services
The primary focus of the Registered Dietitian/Nutritionists at the Campus Health Service is to provide one-on-one counseling, plus additional programs and information, to students on practical ways to meet their nutritional needs while attending the University of Arizona. Whether for general nutrition concerns, or across the range of health and disease-related issues, including food allergies and Celiac Disease, appointments are available throughout the week to address concerns on an individual basis. In addition, Counseling and Psych Services professionals are available to help students with the grief, frustration, anger, and other emotional issues that may occur when food allergies and intolerances impact social interactions and create limitations, at an important developmental time when students just want to feel normal. All nutritional, mental, and medical health concerns are handled in an integrated manner for the best care of our students.
Dean of Students
The Student Assistance team in the Dean of Students office serves as a central support resource for all students. They help students and their families manage crises, life traumas, and other barriers that impede success. The staff works to address the needs of students who struggle in such areas as psychological health, physical health, victimization, relationship issues, social adjustment, and academics through a variety of interventions, referrals, and follow up services. For students who are have experienced food allergies requiring hospitalization, we can notify professors. We can also connect students to appropriate offices, such as the Disability Resource Center.
Disability Resource Center
The University is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible campus environment. Students who would like information about requesting food-related accommodations may contact the DRC. If students decide to request accommodations, they should visit the Disability Resource Center to inquire about additional assistance.
Housing & Residential Life
All Resident Assistants are trained to call 911 whenever an individual is observed experiencing some form of medical distress. In addition, Residential Life staff works with roommates on roommate agreements to incorporate expectations around food allergens when one or both residents of a room have a food allergen issue.
Emergency Response Plan
Students with food allergies that require the use of epinephrine are asked to carry their epinephrine with them in case of an anaphylactic response. If a student experiences symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, they are encouraged to administer their own epinephrine promptly. UA Culinary Services staff is not permitted to administer any medication to students. Culinary Service managers are trained to call 911 whenever an individual is observed experiencing some form of medical distress.
Culinary Services Practices
Training
UA Culinary Services regularly trains our food staff on the severity of food allergies. This training includes instruction on food allergies (including food products that contain top allergens, cross-contact and proper food storage and preparation), how to answer inquiries regarding food allergies and University of Arizona’s policy for requesting an accommodation for a food allergy or celiac disease.
Recipe and Ingredient Database
UA Culinary Services maintains an extensive database of recipes and ingredients, with full-ingredient listings and top eight allergen flagging. The database is frequently updated as new recipes are developed or new ingredients are introduced by the culinary team. Full ingredient listings for all menu items being served are in the process of being published on the UA Student Union Nutrition website (also mobile device-friendly), and items are also flagged with the top eight allergens, as well as flags for vegan or vegetarian items.
Food Preparation and Production
When a customer notifies a manager of dietary restrictions, their order is prepared using restaurant allergen kit including utensils, skillet, and/or foil on cook tops to prevent cross-contact with potential allergens. Culinary Services understands foods are prepared in a production setting and that there is always a risk of cross-contact. We ask that customers with food allergies be aware of this risk.
Audits
Random audits are conducted by the Culinary Services nutrition team to ensure that the culinary team is using food preparation practices that prevent cross-contact.
Front-of-house Signage
In addition to the full ingredient listings and allergen flags in the process of being posted on the UA Student Unions nutrition website, there are signs at the Point of Sale or location of ordering to make customers aware of top 8 allergens in the restaurant and request that the customer discloses their dietary restrictions to a manager prior to ordering.
Service in Restaurants
UA Culinary Services Restaurants offer various options for students with food allergies and celiac disease. These include:
- Gluten Free:
- Core Plus at the Global Center – Gluten free facility.
- On Deck Deli at Student Union Memorial Center (SUMC) – Offering an enclosed case with items that do not contain gluten, gluten free bagels and bread, a dedicated toaster for gluten free bread.
- Cactus Grill at SUMC and '85 North offer gluten free buns for burgers as well.
- Arizona Market in SUMC, all of our other convenience stores (Highland, Park Market) will have the Red & Blue Line as well as gluten free grocery options.
- Peanut & Tree Nut:
- Core Plus offers ingredients that do not contain peanuts or tree nuts.
- Red & Blue line includes a no nut soy butter and jelly sandwich available at convenience stores.
- Dairy Free:
- Core Plus offers dairy free cheese.
- Convenience stores and Cactus Grill offers soy milk and almond milk.
- '85 North offers a soy milk dispenser and all coffee locations offer soy milk.
For additional information contact:
Culinary Services Nutrition:
http://nutrition.union.arizona.edu/
Phone: 520-621-5736
Campus Health Services:
https://www.health.arizona.edu/
Phone: 520-621-6490
Dean of Students:
https://deanofstudents.arizona.edu/
Phone: 520-621-7057
Disability Resource Center:
Phone: 520-621-3268
Housing & Residential Life
Phone: 520-621-6501