Do you also have times when you feel sick, have difficulty breathing, or have stomach problems after eating certain foods? Or does your child have the same? We call this a food allergy. You can control this at home. But what do you do when you go out with friends or go to a restaurant ? Don't worry, today we will talk about how to enjoy a meal safely at a time like this.
In the past, eating out was a nightmare for someone with a food allergy. Either you had to take the food home, or you could only go to a friend's house who knew you well and was aware of this. But today, that situation has changed a lot. Now, even for someone with a food allergy, eating out has become much easier and safer.
Current situation: Restaurants are aware, but we also need to be careful!
One of the main reasons for this is that many restaurants are now very aware of these food allergies. They train their staff about this, how to properly treat someone with an allergy, and what to do in the event of a sudden allergic reaction.
However, our doctors say that no matter how aware restaurants are, we shouldn't completely abandon our safety .
"The severity of your food allergy will determine how careful you need to be. But regardless of the level of allergy, it is everyone's personal responsibility to ensure their safety when eating out," the doctors emphasize.
So, where do we start? According to experts, it all starts with you having a good understanding of your allergies.
Identify your allergies: Avoid hidden enemies
It's simple, you might think that if you don't order the food you're allergic to, it won't be a problem. But it's not always that easy. Because sometimes you don't fully see what's in the things that come to your plate.
Imagine, you order a chicken. But there may be something you are allergic to in the sauce on top of it, or in the flour mixture used to fry it. There may be something you are allergic to hidden in the dressing on a salad, in a piece of cake, or in a sauce. That's why you need to be very aware of hidden ingredients .
It's also important to know the other names your food is allergic to. For example, sometimes someone with a milk allergy might not realize that the ingredient list says `(Casein)`, but it's a protein from milk. There are now laws that require the 8 major allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, other tree nuts, shellfish, and common fish) to be clearly labeled. But that law only applies to those 8 major allergens. So, it's your responsibility to know your allergy in detail.
Where can there be hidden ingredients?
According to experts, the following table lists some of the most common places where major food allergies can hide. It's important to have a little understanding of this.
| Allergy | Hidden Sources |
|---|---|
| Milk/Dairy | Hot dogs, canned fish, some chewing gums, margarine, granola bars, chocolate chips, desserts containing caramel coloring, and grilled meats in some restaurants (because they are coated with butter). |
| Eggs | Some types of chocolate (nougat contains eggs), baked goods with shiny surfaces such as bagels and pretzels, the foam on top of some types of coffee, and the pasta in ready-made soups. |
| Nuts | BBQ sauce, chili (uses nuts to thicken), some soups. |
| Wheat/Gluten | Some sauces, hot dogs, ice cream cones, some alcoholic beverages, ready-made soup mixes, coffee creamer, butter flavoring, caramel coloring. |
| Seafood | Caesar salad (may contain sprats), foods with added Omega-3 (some orange juices, baby cereals, soy milk). |
How do you choose a good restaurant to eat at?
Just as important as what you order is where you order it from, some restaurants are better trained to understand and accommodate your needs than others.
Usually, large and well-known restaurants have a lot of experience in this area. So your request is not new to them. The same goes for international restaurant chains like Olive Garden and Applebee's . Since these have strict control over the menu and ingredients, the staff knows exactly what is in each dish.
Even though a small shop near us can make you a meal with any changes you want, there's a chance that if you make the same meal twice in those places, it won't turn out the same. That can be risky sometimes.
If you go to the websites of many chain restaurants, you can find a list of ingredients for the items on their menu or an email address to get more information about them.
Things to do before and after going out to eat
These tips will help a lot with your safety.
1. Call ahead and find out the details.
Call the restaurant you're planning to visit in advance and ask about how they handle allergies . Ask questions like, "Have you had people with this type of allergy before? What did they order? How did they let you know?"
2. Inform the staff after leaving
When you go to a restaurant, clearly tell the waiter/waitress who takes your order about your allergy. If possible, give them a small card with your name, allergy, and a list of ingredients. This will also send a clear message to the chef.
3. Prepare for an emergency (this is mandatory!)
This is the most important thing. Wherever you go, keep your allergy medications with you.
- Epinephrine injection: This is a lifesaver for people with severe allergies (anaphylaxis). You and those with you should know how to use it.
- Antihistamine tablets: These help with minor allergies.
Remember, a severe allergic reaction is life-threatening. So talk to your doctor and make a clear plan for what to do in an emergency. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .
Living with a food allergy can be a challenge, but with a little knowledge and planning, you can enjoy a meal out safely and without fear.
Take-Home Message
- If you have a food allergy, always be extra careful when eating out. Never be afraid to ask questions before ordering food.
- Be aware of the ingredients you are allergic to and where they may be hidden.
- Call the restaurant before going out to eat and inform them of your situation.
- Be sure to always have your emergency medications (such as epinephrine and antihistamine) on hand and know how to use them.
- If severe allergy symptoms (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, dizziness) occur, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Always discuss your food allergy and its management with your doctor.
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