Dining Away from Home With Food Allergy

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Dining out with a food allergy can be challenging. But, with sufficient preparation and proper vigilance, it can be done. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Plan ahead. If you will be dining at someone’s home, call the host to notify him or her about your food allergies and to discuss the menu. Bringing a dish to share that you have prepared will ensure the menu will include something safe for you to eat. If you will be dining in a restaurant, call the restaurant manager to find out how food allergies are managed in their establishment. Some restaurants also post information for guests with food allergies on their websites.
  • Choose a time. Consider dining in a restaurant during off-peak hours when the wait and kitchen staff has more time to take care of your dining party and there is less of a chance of a mishap.
  • Notify manager. Upon arrival at a restaurant, notify the manager about your food allergy, and inform your server as well. Seek their help in determining which menu choices are appropriate for you.
  • Know the risks. Understand which foods are less risky for a food allergy. For example, simply prepared foods such as plain grilled chicken or beef, fresh fruit, or side dishes using few ingredients are a better choice than foods served with sauces, wrapped in pastries, or prepared with a variety of ingredients. Know that certain types of cuisines are more likely to contain allergy-causing ingredients (i.e., Asian cuisine often includes peanuts and/or tree nuts; Italian cuisine often includes milk ingredients; those with a fish or shellfish allergy should avoid seafood restaurants even if they intend to order a non-fish meal).
  • Use a chef card. Fill out FAAN’s chef card and share it with restaurant staff so that the chef has the information he or she needs as your food is being prepared. 
  • Avoid buffets. Avoid buffets, as the risk of cross-contact in such scenarios is high.
  • Avoid desserts. Avoid desserts prepared away from home. If you feel a meal isn’t complete without something sweet afterwards, opt for fresh fruit.
  • Carry medicine. Have your emergency medications (i.e., epinephrine auto-injector, if prescribed and antihistamines) at all times. In addition, have your written food allergy treatment plan handy in case you do experience an allergic reaction. 
  • If in doubt, don’t eat the food if there is a concern for a food allergen or cross- contact.