Latex glove changes for food prep.

[Accident]

I have a friend that has one of those epinephrine and run for the hospital and with luck you'll make it latex allergies. In the past she loved her brief stays at disney because she could eat out and enjoy restaurants.

Well today that changed for her when she was told it was in widespread use and not just the dishwashers now. Even being reassured that the head chef would personally prepare her meal, she didn't feel comfortable because the description sounded like disney switched from plastic to latex gloves everywhere to save some money but didn't think this through.

I personally am allergic to tons of food but never really thought about latex allergies and how food is prepared in the kitchen you cannot usually see. I guess it's the same as "peanute free but this product was made in a facility that processes peanuts" for someone with a peanut allergy.

I thought I would pass it on before it was only 6 months ago she was happy eating at disney and now will not touch anything. I have also contacted disney to inform them we are unhappy with this change in the kitchens.

 

[asheleycs]

That seems like such a silly thing for Disney to do. Using nitrile gloves is smart for the protection of both guests AND the staff. Now when any staff have a latex allergy, they will have to have a separate stock of nitrile gloves along with the latex ones... I just don't understand Disney sometimes.

 

[adisneyaunt]

Hmmm. That's sad to hear. I wonder if that allergy is just not on the Disney radar? I mean every dr I go too, they ask that very question.
Perhaps writing/blogging/getting people to speak up would help Many people and noise makes action... or so they say...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I frequently serve food at Give-Kids-The-World.
2) All of their food-handler gloves are Nitrile.
3) Of course, with the wide range of terminal diseases and allergies, Nitrile at food stations makes perfect sense.
4) I am unaware of the use of latex kitchen or latex food-handler gloves at WDW.
5) However, I guess it might be possible, but we need verification.

 

[supersnoop]

Well today that changed for her when she was told it was in widespread use and not just the dishwashers now. Even being reassured that the head chef would personally prepare her meal, she didn't feel comfortable because the description sounded like disney switched from plastic to latex gloves everywhere to save some money but didn't think this through.

I'm having an incredibly difficult time following your statement. Was your friend actually told that they switched glove types? I don't know if the "it" in "it was in widespread use" refers to latex gloves. And what do you mean by it "sounded like" they switched glove types.

That type of change would be terribly counterproductive and expensive for Disney. I think your friend misunderstood. I'd recommend against spreading this type of rumor which can create so much anxiety for so many people until you can independently confirm the situation.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well today that changed for her when she was told it was in widespread use and not just the dishwashers now. Even being reassured that the head chef would personally prepare her meal, she didn't feel comfortable because the description sounded like disney switched from plastic to latex gloves everywhere to save some money but didn't think this through.

Who told this to her?

I doubt it, personally.

 

[Dis703]

I'm having a hard time believing this occurred across the board at Disney and I would urge her to inquire through Special Diets for more information. It wouldn't be unusual for the wrong info to have been given.

 

[ellie05]

I absolutely agree we need confirmation but I wouldn't find it to be surprising WDW has been making so many money grab changes (cough alcohol in the MK...) that if latex gloves were cheaper then I can totally see them making the changes. Where I am finding having a hard time is that this seem like a huge liability and I am not sure the insurance company would allow it.

 

[Accident]

I didn't quote everyone as it was a general, need more info type responses.

I experienced this first hand and back to 2014, she was always told dishwashers used latex gloves so that is not a new change and I've been there when she was told speaking to the chef that it was in use at many table services, she never inquired with quick service..

This current one which prompted the post was at D-Lux Burgers in springs where she was told food prep was also using latex gloves. We also got told this at Whispering Canyon and that's when she got disinterested in trying to find any more food locations. She also has a severe shellfish allergy and that was part of the disinterest in finding another locations because there is very few with no seafood on the menu.

Since both were disney owned and operated, I just wanted to put out a warning, this might be a mass change and if you have issues with latex, you should inquire at all locations you plan to eat.

I would love it if someone could get confirmation from disney that this change might have happened and to get the locations that decided to make the change if it was just a few to stop using them.

 

[Ann812]

Use of nitrile gloves across most workplaces is more common that latex (in my experience -- I work in safety, though not for Disney) due to latex allergies... they look very similar (obviously) and sometimes the brand/box does not call out "latex free" or "nitrile" but most employers use nitrile for this reason. I know others have said the same, just wanted to provide some potential additional reassurance. A lot of folks just see stretchy gloves and assume latex. For some, the terms are used almost interchangeably, kind of like "Kleenex" and "tissue." So more research is definitely needed, but just wanted to throw in my two cents.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I think more verficiation is in order. Disney is wonderful about food allergies, I highly doubt they'd do this.

 

[supersnoop]

This current one which prompted the post was at D-Lux Burgers in springs where she was told food prep was also using latex gloves. We also got told this at Whispering Canyon and that's when she got disinterested in trying to find any more food locations. She also has a severe shellfish allergy and that was part of the disinterest in finding another locations because there is very few with no seafood on the menu.

Again, we really need more clarity. Who told her they were using latex gloves? Was it the head chef or the server? Was that person clear and purposeful on the difference between latex and nitrile? Or were they just trying to say that the kitchen staff doesn't work with their bare hands and really had no idea what the difference is between the types of gloves? The context will help to tell if this was a simple miscommunication or an actual change.

And did they say it was a permanent change? Folks on the DIS like to think Disney will make these changes for cost purposes, but it's more likely they had an inventory shortage over the holidays. So, there may be some truth here, but it may be much more limited than the everything/everywhere doomsday scenario that everyone's panicking about.

 

[bumbershoot]

Not to mention that this could kill a worker who is allergic.

An a really quick Google of restaurant suppliers showed me that latex gloves are actually more expensive. But it was a really quick google.

 

[Accident]

Again, we really need more clarity. Who told her they were using latex gloves? Was it the head chef or the server? Was that person clear and purposeful on the difference between latex and nitrile? Or were they just trying to say that the kitchen staff doesn't work with their bare hands and really had no idea what the difference is between the types of gloves? The context will help to tell if this was a simple miscommunication or an actual change.

Sorry, I thought it was clear that it was the head chef that came out when asked to speak to them about allergies that was saying this. they had kitchen details like when the dishwashers come into contact with the gloves when washing to not make us doubt we had the right person.

And did they say it was a permanent change? Folks on the DIS like to think Disney will make these changes for cost purposes, but it's more likely they had an inventory shortage over the holidays. So, there may be some truth here, but it may be much more limited than the everything/everywhere doomsday scenario that everyone's panicking about.

We didn't ask and they didn't offer anything to give me the impression it was temporary.

For clarity in case it was misunderstood or not clear. Dozens of locations in all different resorts, parks, springs since back in 2014 over the couple years have always said their dishwashers use latex gloves when washing the dishes, it was food preperation we discovered was different yesterday. This is everything from counter to signatures. Obviously we haven't visited every place but name the populars in every place around disney and we probably went there.. not 1 ever said they didn't use latex for dishwashing.

 

[bababear_50]

I just emailed Disney Special Dietary services,, and I will report back here when and if I hear from them.
Unfortunately I will need to make alternate food arrangements for our upcoming trip in March if this is true.
I have a severe latex allergy (shellfish also).
Hugs Mel


I may have to do this

Personal Food Items


Guests with food allergies or intolerances are allowed to bring food into Walt Disney World theme parks and dining locations. When entering a park, simply inform the Security Cast Member at bag check that someone in the party has a food allergy or intolerance.
I also need to renew my Epipens.

 

[bababear_50]

Just got
We got your email and will be in touch in 5 days thingy

Greetings from the Walt Disney World Resort!

Thank you for writing to us. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your special dietary request and are dedicated to providing you with a wide range of products and options to meet your allergy and dietary needs.

I want to personally assure you that your message has been received. Depending on the nature of your request, our response time may vary; however, a member of my Guest Experience Services Team will contact you within five days.

We look forward to helping you with your request.

Sincerely,

Ketan
Director, Guest Experience Services

 

[bababear_50]

I had to smile when I read the "Doomsday" comment.
There is nothing scarier than your airways closing shut and you are about to die--pretty doomsday for me.
I suffered a Anaphylactic shock from eating chicken strips and fries at OKW Resort....I now ask them to cook my food in a dedicated fryer NOT one that has been used to fry shellfish.
Hugs Mel

 

[scrapquitler]

I have a friend that has one of those epinephrine and run for the hospital and with luck you'll make it latex allergies. In the past she loved her brief stays at disney because she could eat out and enjoy restaurants.

Well today that changed for her when she was told it was in widespread use and not just the dishwashers now. Even being reassured that the head chef would personally prepare her meal, she didn't feel comfortable because the description sounded like disney switched from plastic to latex gloves everywhere to save some money but didn't think this through.

I personally am allergic to tons of food but never really thought about latex allergies and how food is prepared in the kitchen you cannot usually see. I guess it's the same as "peanute free but this product was made in a facility that processes peanuts" for someone with a peanut allergy.

I thought I would pass it on before it was only 6 months ago she was happy eating at disney and now will not touch anything. I have also contacted disney to inform them we are unhappy with this change in the kitchens.

Most places use non-latex gloves because so many people are allergic to the latex.

 

[Gracie09]

I just emailed Disney Special Dietary services,, and I will report back here when and if I hear from them.
Unfortunately I will need to make alternate food arrangements for our upcoming trip in March if this is true.
I have a severe latex allergy (shellfish also).
Hugs Mel


I may have to do this

Personal Food Items


Guests with food allergies or intolerances are allowed to bring food into Walt Disney World theme parks and dining locations. When entering a park, simply inform the Security Cast Member at bag check that someone in the party has a food allergy or intolerance.
I also need to renew my Epipens.

Anyone is allowed to bring food into wdw locations.

 

[bababear_50]

Here is the response I got today

Warning it's long
Thank you for making us aware of your concerns pertaining to latex
allergies and inquiring about latex free options available within our
dining locations.

Typically, the gloves used to perform food handling tasks within our
food establishments are made from raw materials that do not include
latex. Unfortunately, the potential exists that some food service areas,
and other areas in our various facilities, may utilize latex gloves;
therefore we cannot assure you that our foods or foodservice
establishments have not been exposed to latex. Please use your own best
judgment and discretion to determine whether you should eat any
particular item of food based on your own evaluation of your latex
allergy, since we cannot guarantee that latex may not have been
introduced inadvertently by us or by manufacturers, shippers or others
during some stage of the food chain process.

Please be aware that the Cast Members that clean dishes use
heat-resistant latex gloves; however there are alternate cleaning
methods that can be utilized to avoid using the heat-resistant latex
gloves. We strongly encourage you to speak to a Chef regarding your
request when you arrive at any location in which you plan to dine.

All of the latex balloons sold at the Walt Disney World Resort are
encased in a plastic bubble and are sprayed to lessen the latex
allergen. The only part of the latex balloons that would be air borne
would be the very tip where the balloon is tied. These types of balloons
are only sold at the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
No Latex balloons are sold at Epcot and there are no balloons of any
type at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park due to the animal exposure.

As safety is our number one priority, we are sending the most updated
information regarding the special dietary process. I apologize for any
duplicate information.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Food & Beverage team is committed to
offering a wide range of options to accommodate Guests with food
allergies or intolerances. When booking your dining reservations, please
be sure to advise the Cast Member of your special dietary restrictions.
If you book online, please make sure you include your dietary
restrictions on each reservation. If you have already booked your
reservations and you are not sure if you included the restrictions,
please contact our Disney Reservation Center at 407-WDW-Dine or
407-939-3463. Guests are also welcome to speak to a Chef or a Manager
on duty when arriving at the dining location.

Whether dining at a Table Service or Quick Service restaurant, Guest
food allergy or intolerance requirements will be addressed when brought
to our attention. Due to the large volume of meals we serve, vendors and
suppliers occasionally swap out product. Therefore menu items and
preparation is often updated.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will use reasonable efforts to prevent the
introduction of the allergen of concern into the food through close
attention during our sourcing, preparation and handling processes.
However, it is ultimately up to the Guest to use his or her individual
discretion to make an informed choice regarding whether to order any
particular items. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts cannot guarantee that
allergens may not have been introduced during another stage of the food
chain process or, even inadvertently, during preparation. We do not have
separate kitchens to prepare allergen-friendly items or separate dining
areas for Guests with allergies or intolerances.

Table Service restaurants that accept reservations at Walt Disney World
Resort can accommodate most food allergies or intolerances.

Common Food Allergies include:

- gluten or wheat
- shellfish
- soy
- lactose or dairy
- peanuts and tree nuts
- fish
- eggs
- corn

If a member of your party has any of the common food allergies listed
above, please speak with a Cast Member when arriving at the dining
location. They will be happy to assist with your selection and provide
allergy-friendly menus as well as product labels for menu items.

The Quick Service locations listed below have menu items or products
that, upon request, may accommodate common food allergy or intolerance
requirements.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
- Restaurantosaurus
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Pizzafari

Disney's Hollywood Studios:
- Backlot Express
- ABC Commissary

Epcot:
- Liberty Inn
- Sunshine Seasons
- Electric Umbrella

Magic Kingdom Park:
- Be Our Guest (Breakfast and Lunch Only)
- Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café
- Columbia Harbour House
- The Pinocchio Village Haus
- Casey's Corner

Most Quick Service locations in the Walt Disney Resort Hotels are able
to accommodate special dietary needs and provide menu items and
ingredients upon request.

All of our Quick Service locations have Designated Trained Cast Members
that are happy to discuss and attempt to accommodate all dietary
requests once you arrive in the location in which you plan to dine. In
order to ensure the safety of our Guests, at each Quick Service location
there are specific people who have been trained to take and fill special
dietary orders. Each of these Cast Members has taken extensive training
to better understand and handle special dietary needs. Because of menu
changes, availability of special dietary products, and possible
cross-contamination of which the cashiers and front of line Cast Members
might not be aware; each location has specific people on hand to give
the safest service possible. The larger Quick Service locations tend to
have more items on hand and a Designated Trained Cast Member is
generally more readily available.

We encourage our Guests with special dietary needs to not get in the
line to order food at quick service locations until they have spoken
with the Cast Member who has been specially trained in the special
dietary process. The easiest way to facilitate this process is to find
any Cast Member that can walk around, so preferably not a cashier, and
alert them of your dietary request. We also recommend dining earlier or
later than the normal lunch hours in order to avoid the longest wait
time.

At all of our outdoor food carts and stands, the food items are prepared
in very small kitchens and there is a high chance for
cross-contamination of the food products at the kiosks. For that
reason, special dietary offerings and requests are not available.
Ingredient lists and food labels are available when you arrive at the
locations and upon request.

For prepackaged items, we recommend that Guests read the ingredient list
on the label before purchasing any product.

All Chefs in our Theme Parks and Resorts are trained to handle allergies
and take every precaution against any cross contact. As mentioned
previously, due to the large volume of meals we serve, vendors and
suppliers occasionally swap out product. Therefore, menu items and
preparation are often updated. We stress that you ask to speak to a
Chef or Manager when you arrive at each location. They will be happy
to assist with your selection and provide allergy-friendly menus as well
as product labels for menu items.

The restaurants will do their best to accommodate Guest dietary
requirements, but cannot guarantee they will be able to meet all
requests. For additional information, we encourage you to visit our
website
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/special-dietary-request
s/

You are welcome to bring in your own food. When entering the Parks you
will have no problem going through security checks if you let the
Security Cast Member know you have an allergy. Just bring your food in a
small, soft sided cooler. No glass containers are allowed.

You will be able to bring a small soft sided cooler that is no larger
than 24" length x 15" width x 18" height into the park. Picnic baskets,
ice chests, wagons and larger coolers are not permitted. Strollers that
are forward pushing are permitted.

If you dine in one of our Table Service restaurants, our Chefs will not
be able to touch your food, but will be able to provide you with a
plate. Florida State Health and Safety Laws prohibit our Culinary Cast
Members from preparing, cooking, or reheating any foods brought in by
our Guests, so we will not be able to heat or reheat any food item that
is not prepared by us.

Please let us know should you have additional questions.

Warm Regards,

Name removed