Tips when Dining out with Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or you are dining with someone who does, here are some actionable tips you can take to reduce risks when dining with food allergies.
- Call, message or email ahead of time to check whether they can cater.
- Read the experiences of others (Check Google Reviews, Social Media Groups, etc).
- Visit the Venue's website to check their menu and understand their ability to cater for you (check if they have flexible meals or if they mention how they cater for allergies).
- Even if you have checked ahead, when placing your order, ensure the Server/Venue is aware of your allergies. You can do this by verbally telling them about your allergies or showing them by using a visual allergy alert like an Allergy Card.
- When the order is placed on your table, ask if it is your allergy friendly meal. Don't eat it until they have confirmed that it is.
PLUS
- When dining with others, avoid sharing meals to avoid cross-contamination (unless your dining partners are also eating with your allergy requirements).
- Don't just do your checks for Food, check for the Drinks too.
- Always carry your Emergency Medication to be prepared and ready if you have a reaction.
Actions such as the above will save you time, prevent disappointment and reduce risks.
On a final note:
Please be understanding with Venues. If a venue cannot cater for your allergy requirements, it may not mean that they don't want to.
Food preparation and safety are a delicate process, and if you are advised that the venue cannot serve you, it is for your safety, and it's safer to find alternatives than to put yourself at risk.
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The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
