Which step is not recommended when communicating dietary restrictions?

• A. Do not inform the kitchen if it will slow service.
• B. Flag the allergen in the order and add a note for the kitchen.
• C. Verbally confirm with the kitchen.
• D. Ensure the kitchen is aware of the allergy.

Answer: (B)

Clear communication about dietary restrictions relies on getting the allergy in front of the people who can prevent exposure, with real-time confirmation and a shared awareness across the kitchen. The step of flagging the allergen in the order and adding a note for the kitchen is not ideal because written notes can be buried, overlooked, or not seen by all staff during busy service. This creates a risk that the allergy isn’t recognized in time. Verbal confirmation with the kitchen ensures the message is heard, understood, and acted on immediately, and making sure the kitchen is aware reinforces that everyone on the line is aligned. While it may slow service slightly, informing the kitchen, verbally confirming, and ensuring the kitchen knows about the allergy are all safer, more reliable practices than relying on a written flag and note alone.