Gluten-Free Stays in Food Forecasts

BY PROGRESSIVE GROCER – In prepared food settings where cross-contamination is a risk, staying gluten free can be more challenging. Uriah Blum, vice president of operations at health-focused Vitality Bowls in California, relies on staff as enforcers of allergy safety. read more

“Our founders have a child who is highly allergic to many foods, so we’ve created a safe place,” he says. “At point of sale, our staff asks about allergies and flags meal preparation tickets accordingly. Line workers change gloves and equipment as needed.”

Blum also sees his staff as educators: “We steer clients toward nutritious ingredients and super foods that add nutrition to meals that have been adjusted due to gluten or nut allergies. It’s a great opportunity to build awareness around nutrition.”