Beyond the Standard Tray: Specialty Diets, Allergies, and Food Safety
The digital copy of the latest issue of S.O. Connected is now available in the AHF Member Resource Library. This issue, Beyond the Standard Tray: Specialty Diets, Allergies, and Food Safety, explores the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the ever-changing landscape of specialized diets, food safety, and allergen management. Filled with practical guidance and insights, this issue helps healthcare foodservice and senior dining operators ensure the safety and well-being of patients and residents without compromising on quality or flavor.
Featured Articles
Implementing IDDSI: A Guide for Culinary Leaders Focused on Quality
How do you successfully transition from theory to practice when it comes to IDDSI and texture-modified diets? This article addresses the challenges of training kitchen staff without formal culinary backgrounds to meet the demands of specialized orders. It explores the tools, equipment, training, and workflow changes that can help different kitchens succeed, while also providing a look ahead at upcoming IDDSI standard updates.
Food Allergies: What are the Top Allergens, Labelling, & Compliance
With sesame now on the top-nine list of allergens, this article offers a deep dive into how healthcare and senior dining operators are adapting. It provides clarity on the differences between peanuts and tree nuts and how to handle coconut, offering best practices for menu development, ingredient labeling, and preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen and during service. Stay up-to-date with the latest FDA guidance to ensure the safety of everyone you serve.
Expanded Content for Greater Depth and Breadth
Understanding The Low FODMAP Diet and Its Use in Treating IBS
The Low FODMAP Diet is an increasingly common dietary recommendation for individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This article breaks down the science behind this diet and provides practical insights for integrating it into your operations.
The Science of Hydration and its Relevance to Healthcare
This article explores the critical role of proper hydration in patient and resident health, offering valuable insights into how to promote healthy hydration practices within your operations.
Mediterranean & MIND Diet Trends and Your Operation
Learn about the benefits of the Mediterranean and MIND diets, two of the most popular and clinically recognized dietary patterns, and how you can incorporate these trends into your menu to enhance patient and resident health.
The Role Of The Clinical Dietitian In Food Safety Management
Discover how Clinical Dietitians are vital partners in food safety, from menu planning to compliance, and how their expertise can help you maintain the highest standards of care.
Staffing Solutions & Shared Wisdom: Highlights from AHF’s First Member Power Hour
AHF’s inaugural Member Power Hour brought together operators to share solutions for staffing challenges. This feature recaps the key takeaways and highlights the shared wisdom from your peers.
AHF Benchmarking: The Impact of ART on Meal Equivalents
AHF’s latest benchmarking analysis explores how automated retail technology (ART) is impacting meal equivalents. Gain a clear view of how this technology is reshaping performance metrics in self-operated healthcare foodservice and senior dining.
Special Features and Recognitions
National Update:
2025 AHF National Conference & Culinary Competition Special Feature
AHF Member Story:
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
People Who Make AHF Work:
Chef Aatul Jain, CEC, MSML, CDM &
Jennifer Higgins
Members - Download Your Copy Today!
Whether you’re focused on adapting to new dietary guidelines, managing allergens, or exploring new technologies, this issue of S.O. Connected offers essential insights to help you lead with confidence. Download your copy today to stay ahead with the latest best practices and expert advice!
>>> HealthcareFoodservice.org/Library
Not a Member of AHF?
If you are not currently a member of AHF, we gladly welcome all self-operated healthcare foodservice and senior dining operations and the business partners who support them. Visit HealthcareFoodservice.org/Be-A-Member to learn more.