Community Flags

Handle allergen corrections submitted by diners who notice potential inaccuracies.

What Are Community Flags?

Community flags are corrections submitted by diners:

• “This item contains peanuts but isn’t marked”
• “I ordered this and it’s not gluten-free”
• “Allergen information seems outdated”

Flags help you:

• Catch errors you might miss
• Stay accountable to diners
• Improve allergen accuracy

How Diners Submit Flags

When viewing your menu, diners can:

1. Tap the flag icon on any item
2. Select the allergen in question
3. Choose the suggested correction:
   • “Contains this allergen”
   • “Should be safe for this allergen”
   • “Information seems wrong”
4. Add optional notes
5. Submit the flag

Flags are anonymous but include:

• Which allergen
• Suggested correction
• Timestamp
• Optional notes

Receiving Flags

Notifications

When a flag is submitted:

• Badge appears on Allergens > Verification
• Email notification (if enabled)
• Dashboard alert

Viewing Flags

1. Navigate to Allergens > Verification
2. Click the Flagged filter
3. View items with pending flags
4. Click an item to see flag details

Flag Details

Each flag includes:

Responding to Flags

Investigating

Before accepting or dismissing:

1. Check your recipe documentation
2. Verify with kitchen staff
3. Contact supplier if needed
4. Check for recent recipe changes

Accepting a Flag

If the flag is correct:

1. Click Accept Flag
2. Update the allergen status
3. Add internal notes (optional)
4. Save changes

The correction is applied, and the flag is resolved.

Dismissing a Flag

If the flag is incorrect:

1. Click Dismiss Flag
2. Select a reason:
   • Current information is correct
   • Unable to verify claim
   • Diner may have received wrong item
3. Add internal notes (optional)
4. Save

The flag is removed, no changes made.

Requesting More Information

If you need clarification:

1. Click Request Info
2. The flag is marked as “Pending Info”
3. If the diner provided contact info, reach out
4. Otherwise, wait for additional flags

Flag Priority

Flags are prioritized by:

1. Multiple reports - Same issue flagged multiple times
2. Contains → Safe - Claims item has allergen
3. Recent - Newer flags reviewed first
4. High-traffic items - Popular items prioritized

Managing Flag Volume

High Volume

If you receive many flags:

1. Focus on repeat flags (multiple reports)
2. Prioritize “Contains” claims (safety risk)
3. Batch review similar items
4. Consider menu-wide audit

Reducing Flags

Prevent flags by:

1. Verifying all items before publishing
2. Updating when recipes change
3. Training staff on allergen procedures
4. Being conservative (mark Contains when unsure)

Flag Analytics

Track flag patterns in Allergens > Insights:

Patterns to Watch

• Repeat items - Same item flagged often = verification needed
• Common allergens - Focus verification on problem areas
• Time clusters - Many flags after menu update = review changes

Best Practices

Response Time

• Goal: Respond within 24 hours
• Critical: “Contains” flags within 4 hours
• Weekend: Have someone monitoring

Communication

If diners provide contact info:

• Thank them for the report
• Explain your investigation
• Share the outcome
• Invite them to return

Documentation

Keep records of:

• All flags received
• Investigation steps taken
• Resolution and reasoning
• Pattern analysis

Staff Training

Train your team:

• How to check flags
• When to escalate
• How to investigate
• Documentation requirements

Common Scenarios

”Item made me sick”

1. Take seriously - potential allergen exposure
2. Investigate immediately
3. Check preparation for that day
4. Review cross-contamination procedures
5. Update information if needed

”Ingredient list seems incomplete”

1. Review full ingredient list
2. Check for hidden ingredients (sauces, seasonings)
3. Verify with kitchen
4. Update if ingredients were missed

”My dish had [allergen] but menu said safe”

1. Check if ordered item matches menu item
2. Review preparation procedures
3. Check for substitutions or specials
4. Update allergen status if confirmed

Conflicting flags

When diners disagree:

1. Document both perspectives
2. Investigate thoroughly
3. Err on side of caution (mark Contains)
4. Add notes for staff

Legal Considerations

Community flags may have legal implications:

• Document all flags and responses
• Take “Contains” claims seriously
• Consult legal counsel for serious incidents
• Maintain audit trail of allergen decisions

This is not legal advice. Consult with appropriate professionals for your jurisdiction.