Last week I decided it was time for me to go back to JC and I was looking forward to my appointment that was for today.

I'm a life-long member and had been on JC two years before and quit because of bad customer service from my consultant.

Anyway, I go into the center today and fill out the forms. The director took me back and notice on my form that I have an allergy to nuts. Yes, I say that is correct but I've never had a problem with JC food... I just work around it.

Well... If you aren't aware of this folks... they are not allowing people with any food allergies to join JC or re-join JC at all.

I'm very upset... and feel this is very unfair and in some ways discrimatory. I don't understand it at all. I told the director that I have an epi-pen and have never had to use it because I am careful. It didn't matter.. she call nutrition and they said I can't re-join because of my nut allergy. They have just implemented this new rule two months ago.

I left the center in tears. When I got home I got to wondering about the folks out there on JC who had food allergies before they re-did their rules. I called the center back and asked the director... well, what about them? She wasn't sure... but proceeded to tell me that they would probably be asked to quit as well.

Can you believe this??

I'm very depressed about the whole thing... It's not right that I'm not given the right to lose weight on the JC program... I mean really... I go to restaurants where they prepare food near nuts and they don't ask me to leave!

I just can't believe this! Also... I'm a life-long memeber! I paid a hugh amount of money along time ago so I could come back!

hmmmm... first of all, I am very sorry that you just found this out! Did they specify between tree nuts and ground nuts? I assume that this means that their foods are all processed in their plant and that they cannot guarentee trace contents will not exist, but it seems like they should allow an "eat at your own risk" type policy. Informed consent, hello!!!!! You are an adult and you know perfectly well what you are putting yourself at risk for. I assume they want the leeway to be able to switch their recipies at a moment's notice and add or replace ingrediants without worrying about how people may respond to it. That's really sad, though. I am sorry. Still, if there is no way around it and you cannot re-join the program, still make use of these boards... the people here are great and supportive. Corporate can't possibly tell you you can't be on these boards-- you bought and maintained the membership that is supposed to give you access. Come here for support. I am sorry that you have encountered this. Yes, the more I encounter this **** company, the more disgruntled I am. My JCC is awesome-- it's the only reason I've stayed, but corporate seems to have NO CLUE how to interact with people as HUMANS. I'll stop ranting. It's not even worth it. A lot of us have been blindsided by their callousness, that's all I will say.

take care,

amanda

I would guess that the new rule is based on some legal matter they have encountered. Unfortunately, law suits often negatively impact innocent people who take responsibility for themselves. JC also won't take pregnant women or people under medical care without their doctor's consent.

I'm sorry that you've been caught in the middle of this new rule and understand your frustration. Best of everything to you in your journey. Feel free to continue to use the tools and support on-line no matter what program you chose.

I have never heard this but perhaps you can either: a) go to a different center and don't mention the nut allergy or b)ask for your lifetime membership fee back since you are not able to use it.

Yes the policy has changed but it is for the safety of our clients. It is not just any food allergy, but more specifically nuts. I have had to turn away several past clients because of this new rule. It's too bad, but it is for your safety. I hope you find a program out there that works for you

I would definitely ask for my membership fees back. I feel so terrible for you!!!

I hope you realize that maybe this was the only program that really did work for me. To tell me that you hope I find another program out there that works is very inconsiderate of you. Pardon me... but I am furious with this whole thing and will be taking it a step further.

I have sent a letter asking for my life-time membership fee back ... we will see what happens next.


Maybe I should let the restaurants and the grocery stores know about my nut allergy so they can ban me from those places as well.

I totally agree with you. My daughter has a peanut allergy, and we are very careful to read labels before we give her anything. I am not sure how they can ban you from the program if they are providing you with accurate information on their food labels. It does seem discriminatory, and I think it is a cop out.

I apologize as my intent was not to be inconsiderate. It really is a safety factor and as much as I would like to have clients enroll they may not have a severe nut allergy, the policy has been created by our corporate offices based on the feedback from our nutritionists and dieticians. I just wanted to wish you well with your weight loss and there should definitely be no problem wit your centre refunding your membership fees.

Okay, but maybe you can answer this.... what are you doing about the people who are already on the program who were on the program before this new rule came in to affect. Are you making them quit?? If not, then this is truly discrimination. I guess Corporate also doesn't think that I'm an adult and that I go and buy groceries from a store that also have been made in a plant where nuts are also used. I guess what it comes down to is this... Jenny doesn't want to spend the money to put warning labels on their food and also they want to make sure that you buy all of their food. I truly feel like I have been discrimanted against and I am amazed that this has happened. You can tell your nutritionist and dieticians and corporate that they might have a problem with this new rule that they have come up with.

Also, my center has told me that they can't refund my life-time membership and that I have to write to Corporate for this... we will see if I get my money back.

There is a clause in your contract that states one of the reasons you can get your money back is medical...meaning either our nutrition department won't let you enroll or your own doctor won't. I know you would rather be on the program then get your money back but if you do want to get your money back I would bring this up to your centre director.

Someone brought up you filling out another health sheet and not indiciating your allergy. God forbid something were to happen related to your nut allergy, Jenny Craig would not be liable if you weren't honest when filling out your health sheet. Not something I would reccomend.

I truly do wish you the best, I know how great these boards are and maybe you can find the support that you need here.

I can tell you that what they are doing is for legal reasons, as a previous director i know that we let alot of people on the program that said they could work around it and then got mad bc we accidentally gave them something with it in there. Just remember, with any job, there are rules from corporate and the local staff are not to blame. Im sure you could call corp though and see if there is anything they can do for u since you paid so much for the program.

I'm sure it is.. but here's the thing... I'm willing to sign a waiver in order to do the program. Also, I signed a contract 15 years ago and I'm not a new member. I signed that contract when there was no rule about nuts. I have worked around the program many times with out a problem with nuts.

I am not even given the chance to say "I'm an adult and I've made a choice to be on this program, even though I might get a nut in my food"

I feel that they better come up with a better way to handle this situation or they are going to have a problem.

I think this whole "cover your a@@" with legal depts. is out of control. You have these fussbudget lawyers getting all like turkeys with their heads cut off and making everyone crazy. I know, I work in a corporate office and know what legal can be like....And my boyfriend is a lawyer, but that's another story, LOL.

I don't see why a waiver isn't acceptable and clear warnings on the packaging of any food items that there are nuts in there.

Obviously there is a warning on cigarettes which covers the tobacco companies in case people want to sue them for not informing them of the hazards of smoking if they should develop cancer or emphysema. I don't see why this should be any different.

This is news to me that this is a "new policy". People with all the major food allergys i.e. nuts, eggs and wheat who have "throat closes" effects due to those allergys can not be on the program. At least it has been that way for the past 4 years that Ive known. If it was less adverse effects like a rash, or headache, then it was to the disgression of that client. On occasion I have seen people who do have those allergys and have been turned away. But to be fair, its not that JC is being vindictive in anyway. It wasnt like JC said who can we get angry today. Because JC doesnt serve all the same foods they did 15 years ago, they have had to change thier policys to protect people from kneeling over and dieing. I understand you are willing to take that chance however JC made that policy to not only protect themselves, but thier clients needs as well. Be weary of a person/Company that doesnt have your best interest in mind.

Zed

If they were to do that, it would be something company wide they would have to do. So the people who made this policy would have to also make the waver as well. Why would they make a policy that you could get around but by jumping hoops? If someone were to tell me they had a company that only offered 1 phone - but if I had a waver they could give me another phone, but ONLY if I had signed the waver. Not a good analagy, but thats the only way I can think to put it. She wants her 15 year old phone, and they only offer the new one. Both the phones serve the same purpose. But are still different from what they were.

Zed

Hello all... I just thought I would put my thoughts in here..

I am currently a program director at jenny craig and this is the thing about nuts. They cant have any grey areas in things like these... im sorry but we are a BUSINESS and some things have to be black and white, and remember nuts or any kind of them that you are allergic to MAY be in ALOT of our food so thats why they say no to all of it, if a TRACE of something gets in anything, a reaction can happen. If we were to let you on the program and something were to happen but you say now that you don't care or you can sign something saying you won't do anything, but when it happens its just "unacceptable" (and I think we all know there are people out there like this unfortunately) and jenny craig gets sued for all they got....that wouldnt be good. So why not just avoid all this altogether? People the bottom line is this. We want your money, but not if its even gonna make you cough or get hives. Isnt it nice to know were not looking for that extra dollar and worrying about your health first? Again.. we want peoples money! were a business! So if we can sell you a program we would but NEVER if your health for ANY reason whatsoever is questioned. Again, I'm sure you can maybe get your money back for the lifetime membership and good luck to you in your journey losing weight.

A proud Jenny Craig employee

I just joined JC on 03/12/08. I do not have allergies to nuts, dairy or wheat, BUT I do have a food intolerance with these items - dairy mainly. I can tell because my nose runs when I eat something with dairy, certain nuts and wheat.

When I signed up, the director asked me to be clear - am I allergic or do I have an intolerance. I only have a slight intolerance to hazelnuts and brazil nuts. I have a slight intolerance to wheat products. I can't drink milk because I get an arthritic immune response in my joints so I drink soy, but I can have hard cheeses in small amounts.

Just be careful how you word your food intolerances. The director told me if I was allergic to wheat I wouldn't be able to join the program.

Allergies are allergies, but a little discomfort after eating a food isn't necessarily a full-blown allergy. Though, I think it's always best to err on the side of safety if you're not sure.

Why don't you see a doctor (allergist) and get tested for food allergies. If it comes up that you're not allergic, just intolerant, maybe you can still join the program.

P.S. I have epipens too, but I don't carry them with me.

I rejoined JC last week and listed oranges under food allergies. When we went into the office, the JCC asked me what my response to oranges was specifically ( I break out in hives). She then did a search on the computer of the foods looking for citrus ingredients. Nothing came up, so we continued. I wonder what would have happened if something showed up?

I agree that JC is doing this for legal reasons, but, you are an adult and should be able to continue at your own risk, just like when you go out to eat.

I don't think you will have a problem getting a refund, although it may take a while - you know business red tape!

Good luck to you.

I truly hope that you can receive your money back, even though I am sure that you'd just rather lose the weight. I didn't read all the posts, so I am sorry if I am repeating someone else's suggestions, but if you love the program, then you should just sign-up for Jenny Direct (use your pet's name if you have to), and figure out a way to off-set the shipping prices by buying your own syrup, dressings, cereals, more shelf options, etc. Another option is to have a family member sign-up for the $99 deal that spouses and kids get (last I checked, they don't ask for a marriage certificate). Then, have that person either give you all the food, or you guys can split it and supplement with lean cuisines and subway sandwiches. I am really sorry in regards to this set-back. If you lived in D.C. I'd buy enough food for the both of us! Don't make this new unfair policy de-rail your weight-loss goals. You CAN do it!!! Good Luck!

What I don't understand is why it's any different to eat JC food than it would be to buy Lean Cuisine or Weight Watchers entrees in the supermarket. Some of them have nuts in them too. Should Lean Cuisine be worried that if someone should eat one of their entrees and have an allergic reaction that they might be sued? No. Should they eliminate all entrees that might contain nuts? No. So why should Jenny be sue-able? That doesn't make sense to me. You could go out and buy this kind of food in a supermarket!! Just because you are receiving diet counseling doesn't mean they should be liable for everything you eat on the program. You buy that food the same way you'd buy it if you weren't on the program and they have no control over what you order or what you tell them about your allergies. I just don't get it.

Okay, well first of all it hasn't been 15 years since I have been on the program. It was two years ago and at that time I filled out the form like I did this time. I joined the program 15 years ago as a lifetime member.. gee.. what does that mean? Lifetime Member? It was explained to me that I could come back anytime that I wanted to if I was a Lifetime Member. In addition, at that time they knew about my allergy and it was fine with them. There was never any problem with me having allergies and I was told we would work around the foods, which we did. Also, there is a section on that form that is a waiver that Diabetic's have to sign stating that their blood sugar may go to low on Jenny Craig. So, my question is this why can't they have a waiver in their about food allergies as well? hmmmm?? It's ridiculous!

Again, I was on the program 2 years ago and I joined as a Lifetime Member 15 years ago. So, when I re-joined 2 years ago they knew about my allergy and we worked around the issue. I was told that this is a new policy that was put into affect two months ago. In addition, I take the chance of having nuts in my food everyday when I buy groceries at the store!!!

Hmm, strange but when I joined JC in July 07 with diabetes, I had to get Dr OK to join but I never had to sign a waiver about low blood sugar. How about if you get your Dr to say it's OK for you to rejoin??

Because JC is an official program where you buy the food, I would assume its the same when you order at a restraunt - if you tell them you have an allergy and had a life threatening effect due to them not listening - you can rightfully sue those people. If you tell our program that if you eat something and it threatens your life- and it happends to be in JC foods, then JC has decided it would be of both of the best interests to not be on the program. Like when I worked a long time ago at the bumper cars and they added a height limit to it the next year due to injurys - they had to change it due to the over all effects from kids/adults not being tall enough and having the lap bar that is right at thier neck. You could say youd sign a waiver, and that youd take full responsibilty - but when it comes to your safety they put rules into place to protect people. It isnt to be malicious, it isnt to be vindictive, as a company they chose safety first - and I dont think anyone can aurgue with that. (you can try)


Z

Like I said before, its news to be that its a new policy. Ive known of it for at least 4 years. There are some PDs that may break the rules or not know the rules - in which case if found out thier job can be at stake. At the same time even if it was a new policy, JC have all the same recipies but JC might have different people make it for them and thier factorys might have nuts made in them vs the other factory didnt. What you think is a waiver on the back of the healthsheet isnt a waiver at all. Its to find out more information about thier diabetes, what age they were diagnosed, what type, what medications they are on, if they monitor blood glucose, if they are able to feel the symptoms and identify, if they regularly visit thier doctor ect ect. What you are really signing is that you will need medical monitoring and agree to consult your physician regularly. And even before JC is ok with that they need an ok from your coroperate office. Our dietions review your heath sheet and then they contact your doctor.

Z

We do not discriminate againist our clients. with food allergies it is hard to gauge your reactions. my question is what type of reaction do you have? i know that i have to ask my clients "do you have ANY FOOD ALLERGIES THAT COULD MAKE YOUR THROAT SWELL UP, BREAK OUT IN HIVES, SHOCK ,RASH,ITCHING, HIVES OR ANYTHING ALONG THOSE LINES?" It is not that we do not want you on the program, it is just that we have YOUR best interests at heart. We would rather have you alive and mad at us than dead and your family suing us for signing you back up knowing that you had a food allergy. I have had to turn away many a sales because of food allergies. our foods are processed in centers were we can not guarantee that there is any cross contamination. we do not do waivers. If you have any further questions as to why you can not sign back up ask your doctor. As far as everyones suggestions to call and lie about being allergic to it, what good does that do? Who is that helping? what happens when you go into anaphylactic shock? who would to be to blame? You? Us (JC)? As far as it being a new policy, it is not. it have been this way for a long time. Also if the centre you went to was a franchise, they may have been more willing to work with you, but they still have to go by JC Corp guidelines and rules.

Heather, i also work at JC as a program director... i couldnt have said it better myself

I realize that now if I reply you are just going to say my argument is moot because you think you have the final word on this, but I must beg to disagree. I don't see why JC should be held responsible for their clients' allergies in the first place. I suppose arguments can be made on either side of this but I don't think I'll ever change my mind about that.

I would like to know why Jenny Craig has to ask that question in the first place. Why should a client discuss their medical issues with you and then they become your responsibility? What if a client came in who had high blood pressure and told you about it, but you did not advise them to eat a low sodium diet and then they had a stroke while on your diet? Would they or should they be able to sue you? Where does your responsibility begin and end for a client's medical issues?

If they didn't tell JC about an allergy would that make you any less responsible for any allergic reaction they had on your food? I suppose someone could come along in that case and say that you should label foods with ingredients that are typical allergens. I have seen that on menus and labels in the supermarket before. I think if you labeled things clearly that would be enough to "CYA" (Cover your arse). I don't think preventing clients from joining is the only answer.

Thank you Thank you!! I totally agree with you!!! In addition, Jenny Craig has yet to answer my certified letter that I sent them over 4 weeks ago. Wow.. what customer service! I've called the customer care line 10 times now and they keep on telling me that they are going to see where my letter went and call me back. No phone call from them. I have a certified card back from the mailman with someone's signature on it from Jenny Craig... so I know that they have received it. I'm totally disgusted with this company and have told everyone I know not to join this program because they seem to be only out for themselves and not the customer. I'm sure someone from Jenny Craig will now reply back to my message telling me how much they care about the customer and they are their for our best interest. In addition, I called back my center and told them about my letter and they have confirmed.. CONFIRMED that this is a new part to the program.. That anyone with a nut allergy cannot rejoin. She told me that this only happened a few months ago and that they used to let people with nut allergies join before then. I even spoke with the director of this center and she has confirmed the same thing. Yesterday I called the JC company again and talked to customer care.. they still don't know where my letter is and suggested I call my center and ask for my lifetime membership back. So, I did.. spoke to the director and she told me that "really, your lifetime membership is done"... excuse me??? What does lifetime mean anyway??? Does it have a time limit on it?? I don't thinks so..

About 10 years ago it was decided that diabetics could not do the program and those diabetics who were already on the program got their lifetime membership back! At that time it was about $299.00. Of course since that time diabetics are allowed on the program, usually with their doctor's permission.

It's out of control because everyone is sue happy. And juries always side with individual because they think "It's big business, they can afford it". So I don't blame companies for covering their a@@. Until there is some kind of control on people who sue, companies will have to protect themselves more and more. Just look at how out of control health insurance has become.

This is great and all, but many people say this and then something happens and they come back to blame the company. And waivers don't always hold up in court. JC is a private business, not a public service. So why would, why should, they put up with the headache of working around people. And why should they risk their business. As much as it stinks for people with allergies, I don't blame JC.

I would like to interject a thought here. I work for a Dr's office and I had a Pt. meet me at the door one morning and his tongue and throat were swelling. I was by myself and had to call the Dr. at home and had to immediately administer epinephrine to this man and then get him over into the hospital. All he had that morning for breakfast was some strawberries. He had been eating them all of his 60+ years but all of a sudden became severly allergic to them.

While I understand the frustration on both parts I have to say that it's not risking your life. You never know how you will react to a certain food or when the allergy goes into a full blown effect. If you had lunch at home alone and had an allergic reaction, it could be fatal. You can never tell with allergies.

I have a niece with a nut allergy and some food have gotten by without any thought to nuts being in them. Fudge ripple ice cream being one with that one her tongue itched, when my sister put hazelnut coffee cream in her milk one morning she had a severe reaction.

It's alot easier to deal with blood sugar than it is with anaphylactic shock.

This is just something to think about.

Because we care about our clients safety and health is the reason why we have such extensive health questions. I have clients who have diabetes and high blood pressure. I have to contact the pt's dr for approval before i can start them. I have had clients who have come from other programs who get mad at me for asking these questions. OUR FIRST AND FOREMOST PRIORITY IS OUR CLIENTS HEALTH AND SAFETY if our clients have health issues, we are in constant touch with their MD to make sure that they are going to be provided the safest and most effective weight loss program. I mean, seriously... What if your mother wanted to join the program and we knowingly signed her up with a nut allergy and since we can not guarantee that the is not cross contamination in our food prep areas, and she went into anaphylatic shockand it was fatal. Who is the first person you blame...? ? the deceased or the company who knowingly signed her up with a food allergy?

I would think that with all those lawyers worrying about ways to prevent the company from being sued they would come up with something better than this to accomplish that. I'm just saying I don't think banning people with nut allergies is the only answer. It's the easiest answer, and the cheapest one for the company, but it's not necessarily the only answer or the best one, IMO.

Sorry but I don't buy that your clients' safety is the company's primary concern. Perhaps it is yours, but all the company cares about is preventing itself from being sued. Preventing people from joining is the cheapest and easiest way for them to prevent being sued. The company doesn't really care who is affected and how they might feel about what they do. If they did care, they might come up with alternative solutions that don't involve banning everyone with a nut allergy outright.

Besides, no one with a nut allergy can be 100% sure that they aren't going to ingest nuts accidentally anywhere and at any time, despite everyone's best efforts to prevent it. Perhaps the company should put some money into preventing cross contamination or accidents. But no, they are too cheap to do that. Again, they are just looking for the cheapest and easiest way out of this, and their client's well being or safety is definitely not their primary concern. Sorry, I have just been around the block one too many times and am somewhat cynical about this stuff!

I can see how JC is trying to protect itself, but in that, and within the posts defending JC, the point that struck me hardest was the lack of customer service afforded to the client that was most atrocious.

I remember the day I walked into JC to sign up. I was dejected, felt awful and had low self esteem. It was the idea that someone was going to be at my side to help me emotionally through this tough journey that got me in the door. My JCC, Kate is like a best friend/sister role model who supports, yet pushed me to do more than I think I can as well as educate me along the way.

Now imagine you put on some weight, but really looked forward to that familiar and accessible support system of Jenny Craig to help you once again only to be told, sorry we don't take people like you with nut allergies. Although it may be routed in sound corporate governance, the message passed along became a personal attack that casts the person as an unwanted outsider, not good enough to get in the club.

If the JC policy truly is to no longer accept those with allergies, then contingency plans should have been to address the lifetime members they are suddenly excluding along with messaging to address the concerns and alternative options. Since JC sold a lifetime membership, then changed the rules after the sale, I feel they should be responsible helping those affected individuals transition to another support system through an established relationship with another program that does accept those with allergies, or offer a refund with a sincere apology for the change in circumstances that regrettably means they are no longer able to provide the service along with suggestions for new support groups or options.

Making a sound corporate decision is good policy. Delivering the message in the manner described is not only horrible customer service but just plain mean and JC’s business model is built on support, the cornerstone of good customer service.

With that theory, every company should bend to the will of the customer if they really care. Nevermind the safety concern - but if you went into a doctors office and had severe hiccups - and the treatment for them was peanutbutter and they know your allergic to nuts, by that thoery you are saying if they really cared they should give it to you anyways? Even if you promised to sign a form saying you will take reasponsibilty, even if you signed a wavier, it would not be within thier best interest to treat you with that no matter what your aurgument maybe.

However I will have to say, I am embarrised and shocked about no reasponse from the customer service line. Even though it wasnt me and even though we dont see eye to eye on the major issue I hope you will believe it when I say I am sorry. That is awfull. You deserve better. I do however know that with the roll out of the new website, there have been an incredible amount of complaints about the changes nationwide - that they still maybe working on them from months ago. Im not using that as an excuse to not reply, just a reason why you might of not heard back from them yet.


Zed

Here's the problem everyone.... I signed a contract 15 years ago that said I could become a "lifetime member" and that I could come back anytime. That is why I spent the amount of money that I did on the program. At that time I decided to do this because I felt confident that I could come back if I ever needed to do that. The major problem here is that I signed a contract and then they changed the rules. To me I feel that is a problem. I mean really what if you went and bought a car that had a warrenty on it and then one day you needed to use that warrenty and ooopss... sorry your dealership decided to take that part out of your contract without you being told and sorry we can't help you anymore. By JC doing this they are opening themselves up for some major legal problems. In fact, I have already been to see a lawyer and they feel that I have a case. I tried to get some type of response back from these people in regards to getting a refund of my lifetime membership and they have ignored me! I have called customer service line several times and they have not gotten back to me.. I have sent certified letters! and still no response back from them. My center tells me that my "lifetime membership" is really probably over... well, excuse me but I don't see a time limit on the contract.. and "lifetime" to me means "lifetime" I am disgusted on how I have been treated!

I can understand her frustration! To be told her lifetime membership is over? Wouldn't her life have to be over for that to happen? Or is it a "Limited Lifetime membership"? She still seems VERY much alive! I think it's very unprofessional of the company to "Breach the contract" and deny her services without compensation of her membership dollars paid.

I have been notified by charge card companies of changes in the contract... percentage rates going up, or new requirements, etc. But I have been notified in writing. Did Jenny Craig do this? I agree. You probably have a case.

It's a pity that the company has chosen to ignore your letters. Common courtesy and good business practices should be a priority in ANY business. Customers can't always be satisfied - but the company SHOULD stand by it's contract, or refund money involved when they choose to invalidate a contract. VERY unprofessional.

sorry for your fustrations, i have had a poor experience myself with jenny craig, or at least a partial one. i am from nebraska and when i started the program about a year ago i had an awsome consultant and had started the program on a break from school after about three weeks i had to go back to iowa where i go to grad school at and had to cheak in to the center out here in iowa and needless to say i never really had one person taking care of me or helping me out. id reach goal marks and they would forget to measure me or give me the info on what to do next like when i reached my half way mark or even when i meat my goal weight. i thought it in poor taste for me to have to ask to be measured. grainted i knew alot about the program coming into it, my mom and sister had went on jenny craig about 5 years before i did and had awsome sucess, and i had already tried there entire line so i already knew what i liked and i didnt like so i always did a create your own menu. i guess the biggest disapointment was when i would ask them questions, for instance i have a problem with acid reflex and my staff doc. at school had said that i might be developing an ulcer and that i might want to think about changing some of the things in my diet well at that point in time i was like 3 lbs from my goal weight and really adhearing to my jenny plan and so i asked my consultent what i could do and she was like oh she would have to call coperate or something like that and the next week came and ya she hadnt called ended up i knew more about neutrition that this particular center did. granted my consultent back home in nebraska was awsome and i would call her up and tell her what the consultents out here in iowa had said and she would send me the info i needed and ya. i guess my best advice to you would be try a diffrent center it could just be that center as my story clearly shows.

Of course they are worried about being sued. We live in a very litigious time - people suing restaurants because they burned themselves on hot coffee, Subway was sued because of a death from a nut allergy (cross contamination), etc. From one briefing - "Whether a guest is asked about an allergy or provides the information independently, once he speaks up and makes the server aware, he's also establishing a duty with the restaurant". The same holds true for any company that sells food. The difference between Jenny Craig food, and food you buy in the grocery store is that there is a person involved in selling JC food.

These law suits can be very costly, and I don't fault any company for trying to avoid them at any cost.

Jenny Craig is a business and there for I am sure that there are rules they have to follow. Breaking a very serious rule, such as the "health of a client" is def. not worth risking an entire business. One person can not truly think that they are an exception to the rule. I am sure that if you were aloud to purchase the program, Jenny being aware of your allergy, other would do the same. People who have the same allergy would join and ignore the health risks that Jenny is trying to take, so...... if you dont care about your own health, realize the rule * allergy to peanuts, no program, does not just allpy to you and so.....there is nothing you can do about it, its the way it is and the way it really should be. I think Jenny Craig doing this, is what makes Jenny Craig a good business.

I am a bit concerned about the center I joined because the day I went in to find out about it I was weighed. I did not join that day but came back next day to join. I was not weighed or measured? I go back friday for my first weigh in and hope that there is a nicer JCC there.....

I agree with you getting a lawyer on this and only because of them NOT refunding your money. LIfetime means just that......and you deserve your money back!!

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Effective January 2008, we are no longer enrolling clients with an intolerance or allergy to nuts; including peanuts, tree nuts and other nuts. Research shows that individuals who have any reaction to nuts can develop into a more severe reaction with continued exposure. Because Jenny Craig foods are not processed in a nut-free facility, we can not guarantee our foods are nut-free.

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Thats what I was told - I dont see anything about liabilty or anything - though Im sure it was considered. And I dont see the vindictive - we are going to hate and discrimitate, I do see that we want people to be safe. Cause look at it this way, worst case senario- though it very unlikely, but lets say you signed a waiver - and tryed JC. And you DIED. Do you think JC wants that kind of press? Its all about making informed decisions. Call it discrimination if you like , I call it safety. Same thing with people against people who drive drunk (most dont get into car accidents, but the chances of it happening increases when they do it). So yes maybe im being dicriminative against them to since I want them off of the road. And though NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN that they dont have the money to take a cab home.


Z

Ok --- there seems to be two different issues here. I want to make sure both sides understand what's being said, because people are getting angry over nothing honestly.

Here's the truth --- Zedworld's post is accurate, Jenny Craig cannot enroll people with nut allergies any longer. The statement above is from our paperwork, and is accurate. It is for safety reasons because the JC food is processed on machines that also process nuts, and it cannot be guarenteed that you are to be safe eating our food. The issue with you signing a waiver would be a moot point because people with nut allergies range from a simple rash to DEATH --- no, I don't like those odds either. Yes, you can buy foods that are processed in plants with nuts in the grocery store, they won't stop you, however, you must remember that everything we buy at the grocery store is at our own risk. Jenny Craig is a FOOD BASED health program, and it is up to their discretion on if they allow people with allergies to endanger themselves on their products. Why would they? Honestly? It's bad business for them to allow dangerous things like to take place. Plus, people come to Jenny Craig for health reasons... would you trust us if we allowed your health to be at risk? Honestly? Remember, Jenny Craig is not a grocery store....

The second issue here is the lifetime membership. I took the liberty of contacted corporate for you and asked them what our policy is on people with nut allergies. The policy states that you are entitled to a prorated refund... what that means, I'm unsure, however it goes through our Centre Director, and then the Market Director is the one that determines how much your refund of your membership would be. I assume its prorated because you did use the program at some point... and the amount is different for each person depending upon how long they've been on the program etc. So, for the purpose of the lifetime memberships who cannot rejoin, I suggest speaking with your Centre Directors and having them contact the Market Directors for a prorated refund of your lifetime memberships, because obviously you cannot use Jenny Craig any longer.

I hope this cleared up some confusion. It hurts me to see such anger on these boards over something that can be solved in a civil and mature manner. I don't represent this company, I just work for them, and felt the need to help.

~ Jason

Its not anger. Its disappointment. Sure, life can be full of disappointments at times but it's always a lot more palatable when we are given choice(s). Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Hi Everyone,

I am a client at JC and also a Program Director here. I've been with the company for 4 years. I've never "come out of the Jenny closet" as a Consultant and PD on the boards because I enjoy having the support of the boards without people knowing I work for the Company. However, this is an issue where I cannot be silent.

Today I had 2 friends come in for a double tour. They both were interested in joining our newest program, which costs $399. One also had a husband who was interested in joining also. Those 3 sales would have generated $1000 for the Company and my Center. However, one of the women had a "pecan and almond intolerance." When I entered her info in the program that we use to find out calorie levels and such, I was told to call Nutrition. I did and was given the answer I expected, "no go." I had to break the news. Neither of the women were happy because they both wanted to join and do it as a team. They asked if she could fill out a new health sheet and leave it out. The health sheet is a legal document, per the clause above the line that you sign on. Once it is on there, it's there. Maybe some Centers will give you a do-over, but when you're in my office and my job is on the line, along with my repuation...I agree with Nutrition.

For this case and for other potential clients, everyone should know that science and research evolves. The newest evidence in nut allergy research shows that even if you have a mild allergy (say you're hands or arms itch), if you repeatedly expose yourself to the allergen, you're reaction can become worse over time. That is why the policy is different now than it was 2 months ago. Our client's should be happy that this Company cares about their health and wellbeing. As another employee said, yes, we do want to make money. On the flip side, we are a company based on wellness. How can we claim that and allow people to eat food that may cause them harm?

I can't remember everything that I wanted to say but in the end, everyone needs to remember that when we turn people away, we have a good reason.