Feeding Eaters with an Allergy to Fish at the Office [Infographic]

Your quest to become an aficionado of dietary restrictions is a noble one. After all, an office without someone well versed in the intricacies of special diets is doomed to crumble under the pressure, once the time comes to order food for every low-carb Paolo, vegan Pete, and gluten-free Jeanette in the crowd. But your confidence could come to a screeching halt once you encounter a coworker with an allergy to fish. Unlike other food allergies, fish allergies are complex and require a bit more attention to detail to ensure everyone’s well-being.

Ordering catering for those with a fish allergy can seem simple on the surface. Just scrap seafood dishes from your menu, right? Wrong. Besides the actual fish, there are other less suspecting products on the shellfish allergy food list that contain fish residue including Worcestershire sauce, Caesar salad, caviar, anchovies, some salad dressings, and more. What’s more is that an allergy to fish varies by type such as an allergy to finned fish, crustacean shellfish, or mollusks, or all of the above.

Harvard Business Review says healthy food can improve workplace performance, from heightened engagement to increased productivity. Those with an allergy to fish may be more than prepared to navigate the office kitchen on their own, but when it comes to catered lunches and parties, appropriate safety precautions are often out of their control. This is where you, the office superhero, shines.

Given its prevalence (Food Allergy Research & Education estimates that in America up to 2.8 percent of adults are allergic to all seafood) it’d be wise for you to make seafood dishes optional on your office catering menu, alongside chicken or beef. The infographic below offers advice on ordering catering safely for people on your team with a food allergy to fish. There’s also a food list of items that can and cannot be consumed by people with a fish or shellfish allergy.