How to eat safely at a restaurant with a food allergy?

Do you have a food allergy that makes you feel sick, has difficulty breathing, or has other problems after eating certain foods? If so, going out with friends and enjoying a meal at a restaurant can be a bit of a scary and nerve-wracking experience. Eating with questions like "Is there something wrong with this food?" and "Will I feel sick after eating this?" is not a very pleasant experience. But with a little preparation, you too can enjoy a meal out without this fear and with a light heart. Let's see what you need to do.

This preparation is mandatory before going out to eat.

Doing a little planning before leaving the house is very important for your safety.

Take a look.

Do some research on the restaurant you're thinking of going to. Call them and ask them about your allergies and whether their kitchen can accommodate your needs. If possible, check out their menu online. That way you can get an idea of ​​what you can and can't order.

Also think about the type of food.

In some countries, certain allergens are commonly used in food. For example, Chinese or Thai food often uses peanuts and peanut oil. So if you have a peanut allergy, it's a bit risky to go to such a place. Also, even if you order a different dish at a seafood restaurant, there's a high chance that fish or other marine life could be accidentally added to that dish. We call this cross-contamination . We'll talk about that a little later.

Choose a less crowded time.

Try to go to the restaurant when it's less crowded. When you go during busy times like in the evenings or on weekends, you're less likely to have a chance to talk to the restaurant manager or chef. Also, the kitchen staff is more likely to be distracted during busy times.

Be prepared for an emergency (this is a must!)

If you have a severe, life-threatening allergy, keep two epinephrine injection kits with you at all times, as prescribed by your doctor. This is a must-have every time you go out to eat. If you are unsure about how to use this, ask your doctor for clarification.

This is how you talk to the restaurant staff:

Don't be ashamed or afraid to talk about your condition. This is about your health.

Think about this when ordering and eating food.

Okay, now you've arrived at the restaurant and spoken to the staff. Now it's time to choose your food.

Choose simple food.

Remember this: Simple, low-ingredient foods are less risky . Be extra careful when ordering things like sauces, marinades, fried foods, and desserts, as they may contain hidden ingredients that we don't expect and that could be harmful to us.

Stay away from buffets and salad bars.

At a buffet or salad bar, there is a high chance that one dish will fall into another, or everyone will use the same spoon. This puts you at a higher risk of getting something bad mixed into your food. So it's best to avoid these.

If there is a mistake, send it back.

Once your food arrives, inspect it carefully. Make sure it is cooked exactly as you ordered and as you requested. If you have any doubts, don't be afraid to send it back. Sometimes, you may notice that something you are allergic to (e.g. peanuts) has been placed on the food, and you can remove it and bring it back. If this happens, kindly explain that this will not work and that you may still be experiencing discomfort because the allergens in the food are still present. Ask for a new meal.

Bring your own food.

In some cases, if you have to go somewhere that cannot provide you with food, the best option is to prepare your own meals at home. Explain that you have no other option because you have a serious medical condition.

Finally, if you find a good restaurant where you can eat with confidence, that's great. So, thank the staff. Leave a good tip. That way they'll remember you, and they'll be more likely to serve you a safe meal in the future.

Food Allergy, allergy, restaurant, eating out, safety, cross-contamination, epinephrine