Eating out
- Call ahead to check you can be catered for.
- Do NOT apologise about asking for allergen/ingredient information.
- Be specific about your requirements.
- Always carry your medication with you.
- Try to choose a time when the restaurant is not too busy. It is easier to control cross-contamination when it is quieter. Therefore, you are less likely to have problems.
- Ask to speak to the manager or head chef.
- Identify yourself and your needs on arrival at the restaurant.
- Ask to see allergen information, allergy and cross-contamination policy documents. These should be available for customers to read.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Be polite, and avoid being confrontational.
- Remember, your custom is important to them. Word of mouth is the most efficient advertisement, good or bad. If they have a problem serving you, that is not your fault.
- If necessary, leave quietly and follow up with a letter to the management or head office, whichever is relevant to that business.
- If you do have an adverse reaction and you suspect you were served your trigger food:
- take your medication
- GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY
- gather your evidence
- contact the Environmental Health Officer for the area, and Trading Standards.
Food Allergy Friends is an approved Highfield training centre. Please see our training and services for catering establishments and individuals.