MenuTrinfo honors leading organizations in food allergy safety with 2024 Allergy Awards

USA—Through its 2024 Allergy Awards, MenuTrinfo has recognized over a dozen organizations and brands for their outstanding contributions to protecting the health of consumers with food allergies and intolerances.

In its eighth year, the awards expanded from 10 to 13 categories, showcasing the growing dedication to food allergy safety, training, and awareness in the industry.

The winners were selected from a public nomination pool that commenced in early May.

“The competition was incredibly stiff this year, which is a major testament to the growing number of unstoppable organizations fighting for the livelihood of 33 million U.S. residents suffering from food allergies,” said Betsy Craig, CEO of MenuTrinfo.

The 2024 Allergy Awards recognized outstanding contributions to food allergy safety across various categories.

The University of Maryland was awarded Best Overall Food Allergy Program for Universities, while Boston College received the accolade for Best Food Allergy Champion for Universities.

Georgetown University was honored with the Best Food Allergy Training for Universities award, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst was recognized for Best Food Allergy Innovation for Universities.

Aramark won the Best AllerCheck Marketing Campaign for Universities. The Elijah-Alavi Foundation was named Best Food Allergy Advocacy Group.

In the restaurant sector, Marriott International received the Best Food Allergy Training for Restaurants award, and First Watch was recognized for Best Food Allergy Innovation for Restaurants.

Jennifer Lee’s Bakery was celebrated as the Best Allergy-Free Bakery, Safe & Fair as the Best Allergy-Free Cereal, The Allergy Chef as the Best Allergy-Free Blogger, Free2b as the Best Allergy-Free Snack Food, and gf Jules as the Best Allergy-Free Dry Mix.

University of Maryland’s comprehensive program

The University of Maryland (UMD) was distinguished with the “Best Overall Food Allergy Program for Universities” award.

The UMD Dining Services team, led by nutritionist and certified allergen trainer Sister Maureen Schrimpe, Executive Allergen Chef Chris Inboden, and Senior Executive Chef John Gray, was commended for their exceptional efforts in communicating and accommodating the dietary needs of the 1,600 self-reported students with allergies and intolerances.

UMD’s program, part of MenuTrinfo’s ANAB accredited AllerTrain initiative, is among over 100,000 participants internationally trained in food allergy safety. The university’s proactive approach and dedication to food safety set a benchmark in the educational sector.

Advocacy and innovation

Thomas Silvera, co-founder and Vice President of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation, which won the “Best Food Allergy Advocacy Group” award, highlighted the significance of this recognition for their mission.

The foundation provides crucial food allergy and asthma resources to childcare facilities, daycares, and schools, ensuring support across diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

“This award not only acknowledges our hard work and dedication but also reinforces our commitment to raising awareness and advocating for those affected by food allergies, especially within underserved communities. I dedicate this honor and award to my son, Elijah-Alavi, and to everyone who believes in the work we do,” Silvera said.

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