diff --git a/generic_rag/app.py b/generic_rag/app.py
index 5bc87d3..1e7795f 100644
--- a/generic_rag/app.py
+++ b/generic_rag/app.py
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ async def process_cond_response(message):
 
 @cl.set_starters
 async def set_starters():
-    chainlit_starters = os.environ["CHAINLIT_STARTERS"]
+    chainlit_starters = os.environ.get("CHAINLIT_STARTERS", None)
 
     if chainlit_starters is None:
         return