What should you do if a guest requests cilantro-free preparation due to an allergy?

What should you do if a guest requests cilantro-free preparation due to an allergy?

• A. Explain cilantro risks and leave the decision to the guest.
• B. Acknowledge, confirm cilantro-free preparation, notify kitchen, and verify no cross-contact.
• C. Ignore cilantro and proceed.
• D. Ask the guest to choose another dish.

Answer: (B)

The essential practice is to protect the guest by clearly communicating and coordinating with the kitchen to prevent cross-contact. When a guest requests cilantro-free preparation due to an allergy, you acknowledge the request, confirm that cilantro-free prep is possible, and then pass that instruction to the kitchen with specifics. This means checking that all components of the dish—including sauces, garnishes, and any flavorings—are cilantro-free, and ensuring no cilantro-containing ingredients or garnishes are used. It also means taking concrete steps to prevent cross-contact: using clean utensils and cutting boards, changing gloves, and preparing the dish in a separate area or with dedicated equipment if possible, followed by a final check to verify no cilantro is present. If necessary, clarify with the guest and with the kitchen to avoid any risk of exposure. Other approaches fall short because they don’t establish concrete protections against exposure. Explaining cilantro risks and leaving the decision to the guest leaves room for miscommunication or skipped precautions. Ignoring the request means the guest could be put at risk. Asking the guest to choose another dish shifts responsibility away from the restaurant’s safety procedures. By contrast, the best practice actively ensures both clear communication and actionable steps to prevent cross-contact, delivering a safe, cilantro-free meal.

The essential practice is to protect the guest by clearly communicating and coordinating with the kitchen to prevent cross-contact. When a guest requests cilantro-free preparation due to an allergy, you acknowledge the request, confirm that cilantro-free prep is possible, and then pass that instruction to the kitchen with specifics. This means checking that all components of the dish—including sauces, garnishes, and any flavorings—are cilantro-free, and ensuring no cilantro-containing ingredients or garnishes are used. It also means taking concrete steps to prevent cross-contact: using clean utensils and cutting boards, changing gloves, and preparing the dish in a separate area or with dedicated equipment if possible, followed by a final check to verify no cilantro is present. If necessary, clarify with the guest and with the kitchen to avoid any risk of exposure.

Other approaches fall short because they don’t establish concrete protections against exposure. Explaining cilantro risks and leaving the decision to the guest leaves room for miscommunication or skipped precautions. Ignoring the request means the guest could be put at risk. Asking the guest to choose another dish shifts responsibility away from the restaurant’s safety procedures. By contrast, the best practice actively ensures both clear communication and actionable steps to prevent cross-contact, delivering a safe, cilantro-free meal.