How should you handle customer requests for dairy-free or gluten-free options?

• A. Identify suitable products, read labels, and avoid cross-contact.
• B. Tell customer you cannot help.
• C. Remove all dairy and gluten from store.
• D. Only rely on packaging colors.

Answer: (C)

The best way to handle dairy-free or gluten-free requests is to identify products that fit the restriction, read the ingredient and allergen labels carefully, and prevent cross-contact throughout handling and prep. Start by selecting items that are clearly free of dairy or gluten, looking for explicit labeling like “d dairy-free” or “gluten-free,” and check for hidden ingredients such as milk derivatives (casein, whey, lactose) or gluten-containing components (wheat, barley, rye, malt). If anything isn’t clearly labeled, or if there’s any doubt, don’t guess—confirm with a supervisor or consult the allergen guide.

Reading labels is crucial because packaging can hide ingredients or specify potential cross-contact risks. Relying on packaging color or vague impressions isn’t reliable; only the actual ingredient list and allergen statements can guarantee safety. Cross-contact matters too: dairy-free or gluten-free items must be prepared and stored with dedicated utensils, separate prep surfaces, and clean procedures to avoid any trace contamination.

If a customer has a strict requirement or suspicion about a product, guide them to clearly labeled options and, when needed, offer alternatives that are known to be dairy-free or gluten-free. The goal is to provide safe, accurate choices and communicate any limitations clearly.