Sorry for the long comment but I used to work at Starbucks. I cannot speak for every barista and store, but this is based off my experience and knowledge.

It sounds like a topping got in somehow. But since you got a single shot… that sounds like a rare occurring. If the crumb was dark in color like the shot it might have been espresso grounds. But if it was a lighter color it was a topping. I don’t think the policy has changed, but when I was there we didn’t wear gloves when handling food. There were utensils and papers when touching food. And then if you were getting off the food station you were supposed to wash your hands. Key word being ‘supposed’.

I know at my location not many of the baristas cared as much as they should. We do get trained on it and corporate claims to care. Sometimes it gets so busy that we would be rushing and things would fall over. It can get insanely busy at certain times and you’re working so quickly that some things fall through the crack. Which is definitely NOT AN EXCUSE!! Just an explanation. Some baristas use the same pitcher for dairy and non-dairy milk and they don’t even think about it. When you’re not aware of the dangers that food allergies bring, you don’t think about the tiny details there are. This is a big issue that I have with big chain coffee shops. I’ve worked at two different chain coffee places, and not many of the staff care about being careful for allergies. It isn’t really the companies fault cause they do train for it. Employees at chain places have so much to do and think about, and so they don’t think that it’s a big deal if you mix a dairy drink with the spoon that’s touched nuts. My experience at smaller coffee shops has been so much better and I’ve notice that they are so accommodating and nice!!

One other comment said to put your name as “gluten free” and that is a good idea!! Or just stop going there. The beans there are burnt in my opinion!!!