Colleges Required to Make Accomodations for Students with Food Allergies
Posted Jan 03 2013 12:00am
College Dining Halls
College students (both current and future) with food allergies just got a little boost from the Justice Department. A recent settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and Lesley University has cleared up a few issues for colleges and how they need to manage food allergies on campus. Under the terms of this settlement, colleges must do more than simply provide allergen-friendly options in their dining halls. To be in compliance with the American Disabilities Act, this settlement sends the message that colleges need to:
ensure their Disability Services office (or similar department) addresses food allergies.
work with food allergic students to develop individualized meal plans.
provide reasonable modifications to students with food allergies.
display notices concerning food allergies and identify foods that contain specific allergens.
allow students the option to pre-order meals.
provide students with food allergies a separate area to store and prepare food to avoid cross-contamination.
educate and train food service and staff about food allergies
Current and prospective college students with food allergies should expect a dining experience comparable to that of their fellow students. This settlement settles it.
