Posted by Carl on April 30, 19101 at 13:22:40 :
In Reply to: client brings own food posted by Parker on April 28, 19101 at 23:53:35 :
: Hi all!
: I catered a wedding a week ago for 200 people. When I arrived at the site the client had also brought in food. We had to use our equipment to plate the food because it was requested that the food be set out. i have a habbit of watching what food goes into the trash can and noticed it was the food that the client had brought. How safe is this and is there anyway to prevent this from happeing again putting me on the spot. Thanks for any help. Parker, current 2nd yr. culinary student
Just for curiosity, do you have a food service permit from the health dept?
OK, how I would handle this is by having it in my contract. If they prearrange to bring their own dessert, crab rolls, etc.. I have them sign a waiver of all liability and indemnity agreement, holding us harmless for any injury or sickness. They must also provide a letter of liability insurance also naming us as additionally insured.... This usually stops this from happening.... I place a sign in front of the dish, "this item was not prepared by abc catering"
If someone shows up with a dish of food without the above, we simply tell them about the above and ask if it was prepared in a licensed and insured kitchen, usually not, so it stays in the kitchen. Either case, no dice!
In your case, without the paperwork, you should have bluffed them and said, I am sorry, the health dept and our insurance doesnt allow food to be brought in... I wish you had told me earlier...