AITA for not throwing out a salad that wasn’t mine?
Navigating workplace rules and dietary restrictions can be tricky, especially when allergies are involved. In this case, OP (Original Poster) was put in a tough situation when a doctor brought in a salad that contained walnuts to an office where nuts are strictly forbidden due to a coworker’s severe allergy.
OP decided to take responsibility for the salad but left it in the office fridge with a note—only for the allergic coworker to later come in contact with it and have a reaction. Now, OP is wondering whether they were in the wrong.
‘AITA for not throwing out a salad that wasn’t mine?’
Expert Analysis:
Workplace policies about allergens exist for a reason. With some allergies being life-threatening, even trace amounts of nuts can pose a serious health risk. In this situation, multiple parties were involved, but where does the true responsibility lie?
The Importance of Workplace Allergy Policies
Dr. Lisa Hammond, an allergist and immunologist, explains, “Severe nut allergies can trigger anaphylaxis from even minimal exposure. That’s why workplaces often implement strict ‘no nut’ policies to prevent cross-contamination.”
By allowing the salad to remain in the fridge—even with a note—OP inadvertently increased the risk of cross-contamination, making the workplace unsafe for the allergic coworker.
Personal Responsibility in Allergy Management
Psychologist Dr. Mark Evans states, “While individuals with severe allergies must take precautions, it is also the responsibility of their coworkers and employers to maintain a safe environment.”
While OP did not bring the salad in, their decision to keep it in the communal fridge rather than dispose of it immediately meant that risk was still present.
Was the Allergy Sufferer Also Responsible?
Many Redditors pointed out that the allergic coworker picked up food that wasn’t theirs, despite the clear labeling. While caution should be exercised by those with severe allergies, Dr. Evans notes, “The presence of allergens in a restricted space still constitutes a hazard, regardless of individual vigilance.” This reinforces that while the coworker should be cautious, OP still played a role in the incident.
Where OP Went Wrong
- Failing to Remove the Salad Immediately – Knowing about the strict policy, OP could have disposed of the salad immediately rather than storing it in a shared fridge.
- Leaving the Salad in an Accessible Area – Even with a note, a labeled salad in a communal space still posed a risk.
- Relying on Others to Handle the Situation – OP informed two coworkers but did not ensure the salad was removed before leaving.
What OP Could Have Done Differently
- Immediate Disposal: Taking the salad to another floor or disposing of it would have removed the hazard entirely.
- Placing It in a Sealed Bag: If OP absolutely had to store it, sealing it and placing it in a personal area (not a communal fridge) would have minimized risk.
- Notifying the Boss or Office Manager: Escalating the situation would have ensured proper protocol was followed.
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
While OP did not bring the salad in, their choice to keep it in the fridge contributed to the incident. The allergic coworker should have been more cautious, but ultimately, the workplace’s ‘no nuts’ policy exists to prevent these exact situations. In the future, OP should prioritize safety over convenience and dispose of any allergen-containing food immediately.
Do you think OP was at fault, or should the responsibility fall elsewhere? Share your thoughts below!