Happy Friday! And we’ve got sunshine too!

There’s been much written recently about the “hysteria” of food allergies.  Granted, emptying an entire school bus because a peanut is found on the floor is a little over the top but there have been several editorials of late suggesting that food allergies are all in the heads of uptight suburban yuppies.  Scientific tests, studies and food allergy related deaths each year tell the real story but that hasn’t stopped many uneducated people from espousing otherwise.

When I first began Nonuttin’ Foods, a fair amount of education was necessary with our ingredient suppliers because 5 years ago, not all ingredient manufacturers had allergen control as part of their quality assurance.  I had to create forms for each supplier to fill out, ask a lot of questions and have good communication with the quality assurance and/or production managers of each supplier.  Over time though, it has became evident that I’m not the only one asking these questions and requiring specific answers; most suppliers now have their own forms and documented processes ready to go and can answer questions very quickly and concisely.

So imagine my surprise when one of our suppliers questioned our specifications when we refused an order today.  To clarify, our requirements for testing levels are specified with the Quality Assurance department, not the sales team, but when we say that the allergen in question must be negative to the limits of a particular test, we mean it.   So it was causing the sales person who was shipping the order some consternation (and extra work).  While I understand that extra work isn’t appreciated, being told that we should accept an ingredient because the testing was “pretty close” is just mind-boggling.   Note to Self:  Pick jaw up off the floor.

In the end, there are just some people who just don’t get it.  I only hope that all of the so-called hysteria publicity doesn’t stop the average person from being open to learning about what it’s like to walk in these shoes.