Religion and Food Service

Abstract

If a food-service operator does something in the preparation or service of a meal that violates the rules of a religion, a guest who partakes of that food may feel that her or his religious identity, security, or personal passage to heaven may be at stake. This article outlines some religions' rules pertaining to food content, preparation, and service. Some religions, for instance, require that meat and dairy products not be served together; that animals be butchered according to religious procedures; or that spices, caffeine, or alcohol be used in moderation or omitted entirely. Fraud law prohibits food-service operators from falsely identifying dishes (or kitchens or processes) as adhering to religious beliefs.