How should you respond to a guest with a peanut allergy?

• A. Acknowledge the allergy, notify the kitchen, and ensure allergen-safe preparation.
• B. Acknowledge the allergy and hope it goes well.
• C. Tell the guest to avoid the kitchen and proceed.
• D. Provide only water.

Answer: (B)

Handling a peanut allergy requires proactive safety and clear communication. The best approach is to acknowledge the allergy and immediately involve the kitchen to ensure allergen-safe preparation. This means confirming ingredients and possible exposure, using separate utensils and pans, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, and verifying that no peanut-containing items or cross-contact will occur in the guest’s dish. It also helps to suggest peanut-free menu options or suitable substitutions and to keep the guest informed about the steps being taken. This level of attentiveness protects the guest’s safety and shows you’re taking the allergy seriously.

Simply hoping it goes well or telling the guest to avoid the kitchen don’t address the risk of cross-contact or hidden peanut ingredients. Providing only water offers no safety measures or ingredient checks.