Food Allergy & Allergen Disclaimer

IMC Catering – Updated June 2026

IMPORTANT: Please read this disclaimer carefully. It is essential that you understand the allergen and food safety practices at I.M.C. Catering before placing an order, especially if you or your guests have known allergies or intolerances.

1. Acknowledgement of Allergen Risk

I.M.C. Catering acknowledges that food allergies and intolerances are serious health concerns that can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis and death. While we take allergen concerns seriously and strive to accommodate guests with allergies and dietary restrictions, we cannot guarantee that our food is completely free from allergens. Our kitchen is not an allergen-free facility.

2. Allergens Present in Our Kitchen

Our commercial kitchen processes and may contain the following allergens:

• Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, etc.)

• Peanuts

• Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, clams)

• Fish

• Milk and dairy products (including lactose)

• Eggs

• Soy

• Sesame

• Wheat and gluten-containing grains

• Mustard

• Sulfites and other food additives

Because these allergens are used in our kitchen, there is a risk of cross-contamination even if a specific allergen is not an ingredient in a particular dish.

3. Cross-Contamination Risk

Cross-contamination can occur in our kitchen through:

• Shared cooking utensils, cutting boards, and food preparation surfaces

• Shared cooking oil and cooking equipment

• Staff handling multiple ingredients during preparation

• Airborne particles (e.g., from nuts being chopped)

• Shared storage areas and refrigeration

• Ingredient suppliers and food sources beyond our direct control

Even with thorough cleaning and best practices, we cannot eliminate all risk of cross-contamination. If you or any guest has a severe allergy or requires a completely allergen-free meal, I.M.C. Catering may not be able to safely accommodate your needs.

4. Customer Responsibility & Disclosure

It is the client’s responsibility to inform I.M.C. Catering in writing of all known allergies and dietary restrictions at the time of booking or inquiry. This includes:

• Providing complete and accurate information about allergies

• Communicating the severity of each allergy

• Confirming dietary restrictions in writing before the event

• Allowing sufficient notice (minimum 14 days) for us to assess feasibility

• Clearly communicating any changes to allergies or dietary needs as soon as possible

Failure to disclose allergies increases the risk of a serious health incident. I.M.C. Catering cannot be held responsible for adverse reactions resulting from undisclosed allergies or intolerances.

5. Right to Decline Service

I.M.C. Catering reserves the right to decline to accommodate any allergy request if we determine that we cannot safely prepare the meal, or if the risk of cross-contamination is unacceptable. This decision is made in the interest of guest safety and will be communicated to the client as soon as possible.

6. Preparation Practices

When a client requests allergen-free or allergy-accommodating meals, I.M.C. Catering will take the following measures:

• Segregate allergen-free ingredients and use dedicated, clean utensils and cutting boards

• Prepare allergen-free meals at the beginning of food preparation when possible

• Wash hands and change gloves between handling allergen-containing and allergen-free items

• Clearly label and segregate allergen-free items during transport and service

• Maintain detailed records of ingredients used in allergen-conscious preparations

However, these measures do not guarantee zero allergen content or cross-contamination risk. I.M.C. Catering cannot be held liable for allergic reactions that result from our good-faith efforts to accommodate allergies.

7. Ingredient Information

Upon request, I.M.C. Catering will provide ingredient information for dishes and items served. We obtain ingredient data from our suppliers, who may change formulations or ingredients without notice. While we make every effort to keep ingredient information current, we cannot guarantee that supplier-sourced information is always up-to-date or accurate. Some manufactured ingredients may contain undisclosed allergens due to supplier practices or cross-contamination in third-party facilities.

8. Third-Party Ingredients

Some ingredients and prepared items used in our catering are sourced from third-party suppliers. I.M.C. Catering is not responsible for allergen contamination that occurs at supplier facilities or in the manufacturing process. While we select reputable suppliers, we do not have direct control over their production practices or allergen management.

9. Communication at Events

At the time of service, our staff will inform guests of prepared items and any known ingredients. However, guests are ultimately responsible for verifying that items are safe for their consumption. If a guest has questions about allergen content or ingredients, they should ask our catering staff immediately before consuming the item.

10. Assumption of Risk

By placing an order with I.M.C. Catering and consuming our food, the client and all guests acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with food allergies and cross-contamination. This includes the risk of severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and death.

11. Medical Advice Disclaimer

I.M.C. Catering staff are not medical professionals. Nothing in this disclaimer or our communication should be considered medical advice. If you or a guest has a severe food allergy, anaphylaxis risk, or other serious food-related medical condition, please consult with a physician or medical professional and consider whether catering services are appropriate for your situation.

12. Liability Limitation

To the maximum extent permitted by law, I.M.C. Catering shall not be liable for any damages, losses, or claims resulting from:

• Allergic reactions or adverse health effects from consuming our food

• Cross-contamination with allergens, whether or not we were aware of the allergy

• Misrepresentation or change of ingredient information by suppliers

• Failure to disclose or communicate an allergy to I.M.C. Catering

• Decisions made regarding service accommodation or refusal

This limitation applies regardless of whether the claim is based on negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory, except where prohibited by applicable law.

13. Indemnification

The client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless I.M.C. Catering, its owners, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from allergic reactions, food-related illness, injury, or death related to food consumed at their event, whether or not such reaction was disclosed, anticipated, or prevented by our practices.

14. Food Safety Standards

I.M.C. Catering follows food safety practices in accordance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) and Ontario Regulation 493/17 (Ontario Health & Safety Code for food premises). Our catering operations adhere to industry standards for food handling, storage, and preparation. However, compliance with food safety standards does not eliminate allergen risks or guarantee against cross-contamination.

15. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about allergens, ingredients, or our ability to safely accommodate specific allergies, please contact I.M.C. Catering before booking. We are happy to discuss your concerns and will honestly assess whether we can meet your needs.

I.M.C. Catering
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Email: info@imccatering.com
Phone:

16. Acknowledgement of Disclaimer

By booking catering services with I.M.C. Catering, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to all terms and disclaimers in this Food Allergy & Allergen Disclaimer. This acknowledgement is binding on the client, all guests, and any persons consuming food provided by I.M.C. Catering at the event.