Food Allergies and Intolerances
While we make every effort to avoid allergen cross contamination we cannot assure that food is prepared free of allergens. In addition, manufacturers may change their product formulation or consistency of ingredients without our knowledge. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the consumer to judge whether or not to eat selected foods.
Food allergies and intolerances may limit the variety of foods people can choose but with a good understanding of some basics it can be easy. Important facts for those with food allergies include the following points:
- Know what you can you eat
- Understand how to read food labels and ingredient lists
- Learn what to ask when dining out or on campus
On campus we are concerned about students, faculty and staff who have food allergies and intolerances so we try to provide information to make food choices easier.
- View campus menus to view the list of ingredients and the icons used to mark key allergens
- Check recipe Nutrition Facts Labels to see allergen indications
- Review the What are Food Allergies (PDF) handout for more information
- Review the gluten intolerance (PDF) handout for more information
We encourage you to ask questions about the ingredients contained in the food you eat by consulting a Washington University/Bon Appetit Dining Services chef or manager at any of our dining locations.
If you have questions about foods on campus, please contact the campus Director of University Nutrition, Connie Diekman, M.Ed., Rd, LD, FADA. If you have a question while in a dining location, please ask to speak with one of the chefs or managers in that location.
Kosher Program 2010-2011
To maintain both a supportive and diverse community, Kosher food is availble at most dining locations. Kosher food is prepared under rabbinic supervision from the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis. Meal times are important to connect students with the university community and contribute to social development.
Dinners are provided in the South Forty House and at the St. Louis Hillel Center. Prepacked Kosher foods also available at various locations on campus.
The Kosher Program includes:
- Shabbat dinners at St. Louis Hillel Center on Friday evenings following services. Reservations are required. For information, visit St. Louis Hillel Center.
- During the week of Passover, lunch and dinner is served at the St. Louis Hillel Center. Reservations are required.
- Hot dinner in Bear's Den & South Forty House from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. No reservation required.
- Prepacked Kosher food is available at most dining locations including Paws & Go, Café Bergson, Millbrook Market, and Whispers Café.
- Please note: no food service is available on Saturdays.
Make a Shabbat Dinner reservation through WebFood and recieve a significant discount! Visit WebFood's Kosher information page for more information.
Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) states "appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases." View the position paper on vegetarian diets at the American Dietetic Association’s website.
Vegetarianism can include many different styles of eating, but the most popular styles of vegetarianism include:
- Flexitarians: consume mostly vegetarian food with occasional meat consumption
- Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: consume dairy foods and eggs but no meat, poultry or fish
- Lacto-vegetarians: consume dairy foods only
- Vegans: consume only plant-based foods and exclude any products coming from animals
According to the ADA, it is important to choose a variety of foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, regardless of the style of vegetarianism practiced.
Following a vegetarian diet might take some planning, but it is possible to consume all the nutrtients that are important to health. View the guidelines and tip sheet at www.mypyramid.gov.
Vegetarian Diet Key Points:
- Can meet all the needed nutrients, including protein
- Allows for a variety of food choices
- May require more focus on calcium, iron, zinc and vitamins D and B12
The following websites provide information concerning vegetarian diets:
Menus at WU Dining Services: Check the online menus for these symbols:
(LOV) = Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian |
(LV) = Lacto Vegetarian |
(VGN) = Vegan |
Food Guide Pyramid for Vegetarian Meal Planning: one adaption of the Food Guide Pyramid for a vegetarian diet.
