BGSU Dining nationally recognized for food allergy awareness and safety

Bowling Green is the first and only university in Ohio to receive gold recognition from Food Allergy Research and Education 

Bowling Green State University Dining recently earned national recognition for its commitment to food allergy awareness and safety across the University’s dining program. 

Food Allergy Research and Education, a leading nonprofit organization, awarded FARECheck Gold status to BGSU Dining for establishing comprehensive standards for employee training, allergy management practices and operational oversight.  

BGSU is the first and only university in Ohio to be recognized by FARE for going above and beyond to ensure individuals with food allergies have safe and healthy food options across campus.  

“Earning FARECheck Gold recognition represents the commitment our team has made to elevating the dining experience for members of the BGSU learning community,” said Michael McIntosh, director of BGSU Dining. “Through continued training, clear communication and consistent procedures, we give students and their families greater confidence when navigating food allergies on campus.” 

To earn gold recognition, BGSU Dining demonstrated that more than 90% of its food service staff have completed food allergy training, established a documented food allergy management policy and implemented regular on-site auditing procedures. BGSU Dining operates three dining locations, five markets and nine retail locations across campus. 

BGSU Dining has designated “Ingredient Experts” at locations across campus who are trained to help guests with questions about ingredients, allergens and dietary restrictions. They can be identified by the purple buttons they wear at campus dining locations. 

At Social House at The Oaks, Thrive provides food options that avoid the top nine allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, dairy, eggs, wheat/gluten and sesame. All food is prepared, cooked and served within the station to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.  

The FARECheck recognition reflects BGSU Dining’s ongoing focus on ingredient transparency, cross-contact prevention and standard food preparation practices. These efforts empower students with food allergies and other dietary restrictions to make more informed dining decisions and feel comfortable asking for assistance throughout campus.