Food Allergies

Hospitality Services locations do not use peanut products in their food preparation or cooking.*

*Chick-fil-A^® hand breaded, all breast meat chicken is cooked in 100% refined peanut oil,

which is naturally trans-fat free and cholesterol-free.

Guests with food allergies or other food intolerances should consult the Unit Manager for specific ingredient questions. Please

keep in mind that all products are produced in a facility that may contain other common food allergens. It is recommended that all guests with food allergies consult our Registered Dietitian for additional assistance and accommodations at (806) 834-0849 or smartchoices@ttu.edu. Hospitality Services staff can assist you only if you make your food allergies known to us.

Food Allergy

A food allergy is an abnormal response to a food, or a specific protein in food, triggered by your body's immune system. Allergic reactions to food can sometimes cause serious illness and death. Individuals can be allergic to any food, but 90% of all reactions are due to eight foods. These include: milk, egg, peanut, tree nut (walnuts, almonds, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.

Even a tiny amount of an allergy-causing food can trigger a reaction in susceptible individuals. These can include digestive problems, hives, and swollen airways. In extremely sensitive individuals, a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can result, leading to death. Therefore, it is important for students with food allergies to contact Hospitality Services or speak with a manager to ensure they take the proper precautions to avoid an allergic reaction.

Food Intolerance

An adverse reaction to a food is not always an allergic one. Most of the reactions cause by food are actually food intolerances. The two are easily confused because they share many of the same signs and symptoms. However, unlike a food allergy, a food intolerance does not involve the immune system.

Several food intolerance conditions that are often mistaken for allergies include Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), food poisoning, sensitivity to food additives, stress or psychological factors, celiac disease, or absence of a necessary enzyme (as seen in individuals with lactose intolerance).

Food Allergies

Smart Choices