CHICO, Calif. — Savor Ice Cream, a local shop located in Meriam Park, is marking its second anniversary by emphasizing its commitment to providing allergy-friendly and nut-free ice cream options for the community.
Owner and head chef Shenlyn Svec shared that the concept of an allergy-friendly ice cream shop originated from her husband’s dietary needs. “My husband has been gluten-free for about 20 years, and he also went through a phase of being dairy-free with our kids,” Svec explained. She noted the joy that families experience when they can enjoy ice cream together again, despite dietary restrictions.
Savor Ice Cream offers a variety of vegan and dairy options, with strict protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination. “We clearly communicate to our customers and team how we process our ice cream,” Svec said. “On the serving side, the dairy ice cream has its own scooper and water, while the vegan options are handled separately.” Additionally, the shop uses dedicated machines for vegan and dairy ice cream to ensure complete separation during production.
Local allergist Dr. Anton Dotson highlighted the dangers of cross-contamination in food preparation. “Many people let their guard down when they think they have ordered something safe, but cross-contamination can lead to unexpected allergic reactions,” he cautioned. “It’s like a secret time bomb that can go off.”
Dr. Dotson noted that reactions to cross-contaminated food can range from mild symptoms, such as itching and rashes, to severe anaphylactic shock. “The most critical aspect is thoroughly cleaning utensils and work surfaces between batches,” he advised.
Svec emphasized the personal significance of ensuring her products are safe for customers. “Many people with allergies face anxiety when dining out, wondering if they will be able to eat safely. Our goal is to provide them with peace of mind, knowing they can trust that their needs will be met here,” she said.
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, approximately 8 percent of children and 11 percent of adults have food allergies, underscoring the importance of establishments like Savor Ice Cream that cater to these dietary restrictions.
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