Thanks Skybed. I know it's not the CC's fault and on all occasions they went out of their way to find food like nuts, cheese etc which was very welcome. They were really excellent and very apologetic, and I imagine you all bear the brunt of pax anger when it's not your fault, but that of the people on the ground.
On the final trip there was an orthodox Jewish family behind me and the same thing happened with their meal requests (and I heard the guy saying he'd rung to confirm). It's no way to run a business.