When dining at Olive Garden and considering the lasagna, it's important to be aware of several potential allergens that the dish may contain. The primary allergens present in Olive Garden's lasagna include wheat, milk, eggs, and gluten. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. **Wheat and Gluten**: Lasagna sheets, being pasta, are typically made from wheat flour, meaning they naturally contain both wheat and gluten. This is important to know for individuals with wheat allergies or gluten sensitivities, including those with celiac disease.
2. **Milk**: Dairy is a key component of traditional lasagna, especially with ingredients like cheese and béchamel or cream sauces. At Olive Garden, the lasagna is likely to include a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, all of which contain milk.
3. **Eggs**: Lasagna recipes often incorporate eggs either in the pasta or in the ricotta mix, so it's safe to assume that eggs could be a part of Olive Garden’s lasagna, posing a risk for those with egg allergies.
4. **Soy**: While soy is less likely to be a direct ingredient in lasagna, it is possible for traces of soy to be present due to cross-contact or as part of processed ingredients that may be used in preparation.
5. **Fish**: Although not a typical ingredient in lasagna, if Olive Garden uses Caesar dressing containing anchovy paste (not a standard ingredient in traditional lasagna recipes), fish might be present as an allergen. However, it's usually not included unless specified.
For anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions, it's always recommended to communicate directly with the restaurant staff to ensure safe dining. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding ingredient lists and potential cross-contamination in their kitchen preparations.