Special Diets
Religious
Preferences, Menu
Selection & Food
Allergies
Introducing food concepts
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What you will learn
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The unique menu needs
for each religion and
what is or isn’t okay to
have on the menu
The difference between
a food allergy and food
intolerance and how to
identify if someone is
having a reaction
The most prevalent food
allergies and
intolerances and how to
accommodate those
needs
When did all these diets get so complicated?
Catholicism
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No meat on Ash Wednesday,
Good Friday and all Fridays of
Lent
Judaism
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Here
Off
the Menu:
•No pork or Shellfish, fish is acceptable as long as
it has fins and scales
•All animals with split hooves and which chew the
cud
•Refrain from eating meat and dairy in the same
meal
•No wine unless it’s kosher
•All meat has to be prepared by a qualified kosher
butcher
•If meat was eaten in the same day, one must wait
six hour before consuming any dairy
Judaism
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Food for thought
People who keep kosher are very particular.
• Buffet? The chef will need to give the participant their
own tray of food.
• Food will need to be prepared and served kosher.
 Hint: Use a kosher caterer to provide a certified
kosher meal. They can also provide you with the
kosher utensils, cups, and plates.
• The meal can be re-heated but must be kept covered so
the guest can see the rabbinic seal is intact.
Muslim
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Off the Menu
• Carnivorous animals
• All pork and pork products are totally
forbidden
• Alcohol
• Foods with these products:
o Lard
o Gelatin
o Rennet
o Whey
o Vanilla extract
Muslim
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Food for thought
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims
do not eat from dawn to sunset
Buddhism
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Many Buddhists are vegetarians and
refrain from the use of alcohol
“Five Pundgent spices”
Onions
Garlic
Scallions
Chives
Leeks
Buddhism
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Food for thought
Buddha’s Five Contemplations While Eating
1.
2.
3.
4.
What food is this?
Where did it come from?
Why and I eating it?
When should I eat and benefit for this
food
5. How should I eat it?
Hinduism
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Meat for many, especially beef
Mormonism
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Caffeine
Alcohol
Food allergy vs
intolerance - signs and
symptoms of reaction
What is a food allergy?
• An immune system response.
• What are the symptoms of a Food Allergy?
– Rash or hives
– Nausea
– Stomach pain
– Diarrhea
– Itchy skin
– Shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Swelling of the airways to the lungs
– Anaphylaxis
What is food intolerance?
• Food intolerance is a digestive system
response vs. an immune system response.
• Symptoms of Food Intolerance
o Nausea
o Stomach pain
o Gas, cramps and bloating
o Vomiting
o Heartburn
o Diarrhea
o Headaches
o Irritability or nervousness
Top food allergies & intolerances
Most common food allergies
– Peanuts
– Tree nuts, i.e. walnuts, pecans
– Fish
– Shellfish
– Eggs
– Milk
– Soy
– Corn
– Wheat
Top food intolerances
– Milk
– Gluten free or Celiac• Products to avoid
– Wheat
– Barley
– Rye
– Oats
– Semolina
– Commercial salad dressing
– Instant coffee
– Canned soup
– Beer, ale, and any grain alcohol
– Curry powders
– Canned tuna
Top food intolerances
– Diabetic– Vegetarian
o Oco-Lacto Vegetarian: eats plant food plus eggs and milk product
o Lacto Vegetarian: eats plant food and milk products
o Pure vegetarian: plant food only
– Vegan: excludes using any animal product for
any purpose i.e. meat poultry fish, and seafood,
and animal products like milk, eggs and honey
Talk to your CSM
• Let the CSM know during the
menu pre-planning.
 Hint: Make sure you
capture during registration.
Thank you!