Allergens/Intolerances
We have operated a food allergy policy for more than 20 years with the objective of protecting the health and welfare of those who suffer from food allergies or food intolerances. The policy is under constant review and is regularly updated based on legislative requirements, company experience, industry best practice, FSA technical guidance, and official codes of practice.
At Shire Services, we understand the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with food allergies and intolerances. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information about our menu items to help our clients make informed decisions. However, please be aware of the following:
Allergen Information:
Our menu items may contain common allergens, such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, or shellfish. While we take precautions to prevent cross-contamination, our food preparation areas are not entirely allergen-free. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that our menu items are entirely free of allergens.
Cross-Contamination:
Despite our best efforts to prevent cross-contamination, it is essential to understand that our kitchens handles various ingredients, and the risk of cross-contact with allergens may exist.
Ingredient Changes:
Our menu items and ingredients may change based on seasonal availability, supplier changes, or recipe updates. We strive to update our information promptly, but there may be instances when the online matrix does not reflect the most current ingredient list. Please contact the catering manager directly if your child has any allergy-related concerns or questions.
Customer Responsibility:
It is the responsibility of parents to inform the catering manager about any food allergies or intolerances they may have before eating school meals. While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled. We recommend meeting with the catering manager to discuss suitable menu choices for dietary requirements.
External Ingredients and Suppliers:
Our menu items contain ingredients supplied by external vendors or third-party sources. While we strive to ensure accurate information from our suppliers, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or reliability of their data regarding allergens.
Allergen Management
We understand that some customers may have food allergies or intolerances. Accurate communication about ingredients between the catering manager and the customer is essential to manage risks and enable informed choices.
We ask clients to arrange meetings (in person or via phone/Teams) to discuss any allergies or intolerances, allowing us to agree suitable menus.
Diabetes Management
It’s essential for children to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Foods provide varying amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Carbohydrates, in particular, can quickly raise blood glucose levels. To manage this, the carbohydrates consumed need to be balanced with insulin through a process known as ‘carbohydrate counting.’
If you require any further information, please contact your Shire Services contract manager or our compliance manager, Christine Beeston, at christine.beeston@shropshire.gov.uk