Which is a key step when a guest has a peanut allergy to ensure safe preparation?

• A. Acknowledge the allergy, inform the kitchen, and ensure allergen-safe preparation.
• B. Acknowledge the allergy and proceed without changes.
• C. Tell the guest to avoid the kitchen and move on.
• D. Only provide water.

Answer: (A)

When a guest has a peanut allergy, the essential step is to communicate clearly and implement precautions to prevent cross-contact. Acknowledge the allergy so the guest feels heard, then inform the kitchen so they can adjust ingredients and prep steps. To keep the meal safe, use allergen-safe preparation: clean equipment and surfaces, prepare the dish separately if possible, avoid shared fryers and peanut-containing oils, change gloves as needed, and confirm that no peanuts or peanut ingredients will contaminate the dish. This approach minimizes the risk of accidental exposure and follows standard allergen procedures, giving the guest confidence in safe service.

Other options miss critical protections: simply acknowledging without changes leaves cross-contact risk; telling the guest to avoid the kitchen or proceeding without modifications doesn’t address safety; these do not protect the guest from peanut exposure.