Allergen & Food Safety Policy

Yes Chef Hospitality
Last updated: 26 December 2025

Food safety and allergen management are essential elements of professional catering. This Allergen & Food Safety Policy explains how food allergens are managed, how food safety standards are applied, and what responsibilities apply to both Yes Chef Hospitality and our clients.

This policy is designed to protect guests, reduce risk, and ensure clear, informed communication for all catered events.

1. Our Commitment to Food Safety

We are committed to preparing and serving food safely and responsibly, in line with UK food safety legislation and recognised hospitality best practices.

Food safety is considered at every stage of our catering process, including:

Menu planning and dish selection
Ingredient sourcing and supplier checks
Food preparation and cooking
On-site service and food presentation
Post-service handling and clear-down

Our team follows appropriate hygiene procedures and safe food handling practices at all times to minimise risk and maintain high professional standards.

2. Understanding Food Allergens

Food allergens can cause serious health reactions and must be managed carefully. Common allergens include, but are not limited to:

Nuts and peanuts
Gluten (wheat, barley, rye)
Milk and dairy products
Eggs
Fish and shellfish
Soy
Sesame
Sulphites

Some dietary requirements may also relate to medical conditions, religious observance, or ethical choices. All such requirements must be clearly communicated in advance.

3. Client Responsibility for Accurate Allergen Information

Effective allergen management relies on clear and timely communication.

Clients are responsible for:

Informing us of all known allergies and intolerances
Providing this information in writing
Ensuring details are accurate, complete, and up to date
Submitting allergen and dietary information by the deadline we request

Late, incomplete, or unclear allergen information may limit our ability to accommodate requirements safely.
If you are unsure how to provide allergen details, please use our event catering enquiry contact details so we can guide you appropriately.

4. Menu Planning & Ingredient Handling

Where allergen or dietary requirements are provided in advance, we will:

Carefully review menu options
Identify potential allergen risks
Adapt dishes or provide suitable alternatives where reasonably possible

We source ingredients from reputable suppliers and use product information to assess allergen content. However, please note:

Ingredients may be processed in facilities that handle allergens
Some allergens may be present in shared kitchens or preparation environments

5. Cross-Contamination Awareness

While we take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

This is particularly relevant for:

Shared preparation areas
Buffet-style service
BBQ and outdoor catering
Events where guests handle food themselves

Once food is served, guests may unintentionally transfer allergens via shared utensils, surfaces, or plates. We cannot control guest behaviour after service begins.

6. Buffet, BBQ & Shared Service Styles

At events involving buffets, BBQs, or shared food stations:

Dishes may be identified where possible
We may advise on safer service arrangements
Responsibility for guest handling increases

For guests with severe allergies, plated or individually served options may be safer. These should be discussed during the planning stage of your event catering booking.

7. Client-Supplied Food & Drink

Where food or drink is supplied by the client or a third party:

We cannot accept responsibility for its allergen content or safety
We reserve the right not to serve items we believe are unsafe
Responsibility for allergen accuracy remains with the supplier

8. Food Safety After Delivery or Service

For drop-off catering, or once our staffed service ends:

Responsibility for safe storage, temperature control, reheating, and consumption transfers to the client
Food left at room temperature or stored incorrectly may pose a health risk

We may remove leftover food where necessary to comply with food hygiene requirements.

9. Severe Allergies & Special Circumstances

For guests with severe or life-threatening allergies:

Please inform us as early as possible
We may recommend specific service styles or menu adjustments
In some cases, we may advise that we are unable to safely cater for certain requirements

Guest safety will always take priority over menu preference.

10. Relationship to Other Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Our event catering terms and conditions, which outline service responsibilities and limitations
Our refund and cancellation policy, which explains how menu changes or guest number changes may affect bookings

These policies together form part of your booking agreement.

11. Changes & Ongoing Communication

If allergen or dietary information changes after submission:

Notify us immediately
Late changes may not always be possible close to the event date
Additional costs may apply where changes affect purchasing or preparation

Clear and timely communication helps us deliver a safer and better catering service.

12. Transparency & Guest Awareness

We encourage clients to:

Inform guests about menu details in advance
Advise guests to speak with our catering team on the day if needed
Ensure guests with allergies take personal responsibility when selecting food

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about allergens, food safety, or this policy, please contact Yes Chef Hospitality directly using our official contact details:

Email: enquiries@yeschefhospitality.com
Phone: +44 7523 102778