As we all know, allergies are now more common than ever before. There have been umpteen studies which have confirmed this, with everything ranging from milk to fish included in the list.
As someone who suffers from any of these allergies, there’s no doubt that the topic of eating out becomes a clouded one. In some ways, there is a large degree of trust invested in the restaurant in question, even though the regulations in relation to allergies and intolerances are tight.
This is what today’s article is going to focus on. Whether you are heading out to a high-street restaurant chain, or a pop-up festive store staffed by Blues Agency, make sure you follow this advice which can simplify your plight significantly.
It’s all about the research
In an ideal world, you would approach eating out in the exact same way as if you didn’t have an allergy. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work like that.
If you arrive in a fluster to a restaurant, and are rushed into ordering, it stands to reason that this is the point where mistakes can be made.
However, if you can research the menu long before you arrive, you’ll be set for a much smoother experience. Try and look up the menu online, and find out there and then what meals your body can and can’t have.
Salad bars and buffets are asking for trouble
Sure, they may have become quite a popular form of dining over the last few years, but in the interests of staying on top of your allergy we really would suggest that you avoid both salad bars and buffets.
Both of these increase the risks of you coming into contact with contaminated food substantially. Whether it is via a utensil that has touched the offending ingredient, or because of a little spill, it is something that can result in a bad reaction.
Talk to your waiter
Nowadays, waiters around the globe are prepped for these conversations – and it’s no longer a taboo subject.
In other words, don’t be afraid of telling your waiter directly about the allergy you have. Chances are, they will be able to feed you extra information that can help you make a better decision, and also keep you safe as well. For example, some might tell you that they can’t guard against cross-contamination as everything is cooked in the same space. For some of you, this will be OK, but for others with more severe intolerances it can be a crucial piece of information.
The basic rule: the fewer ingredients the better
It really shouldn’t come down to this, but if you are looking to be extra cautious we really can’t emphasize the point of less being more. The fewer ingredients contained within a dish, the less chance you have of suffering an allergic reaction.
This doesn’t just apply to main courses either. Sauces and desserts can have surprising additions, and this can be enough to spark a reaction.
