“Would you like to come round for dinner?” For people with food intolerances, few things trigger more anxiety than this question. Years of bad experiences – either dining out or with friends – leave people with immense hesitation to accept an invitation.
Almost inevitably, the restaurant or your host serves up a dish you can’t eat or which (unbeknownst to you) contains an offending ingredient. Only later do you realise the problem – as you feel an ache deep in your stomach.
Dining out with food intolerances doesn’t have to be such an ordeal. Armed with some simple tips and a bit of common sense, you can enjoy eating out without the harmful symptoms.
Do Inform the Restaurant Staff
Dining out with food intolerances should be a breeze in most restaurants. According to UK law, the 14 major allergens, including tree nuts, milk, and cereals containing gluten, must be highlighted on a menu. Restaurant staff should be trained and experienced in handling allergies and intolerances.
Let the server know early on about your food issue so that they can tell the chef and manager. They can then advise on the best dishes and ensure there’s no risk of cross-contamination (see below).
Remember: keep your explanation simple and straightforward.
Don’t Assume Ingredients
Never assume you know the restaurant’s recipe. This is doubly true if you’re dining around a friend’s house. If you want to order a particular dish, verify with staff first that it is free of allergens or intolerant ingredients.
For example, a seemingly harmless salad could contain hidden allergens like nuts or gluten in the dressing. Always ask about every component of the dish, including garnishes and sauces, to ensure your safety and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Do Carry an Allergy Card
Allergy cards are the best solution for dining out with food intolerances. The server can pass the card on to the kitchen staff to get clarification about which dishes are safe and which aren’t. You can also get an allergy card in almost every known language. That means if you’re dining out abroad, you can still eat safely.
Don’t Downplay Your Intolerance
Never minimise the severity of your food intolerance or allergy when dining out. Restaurants are legally obliged to cater to your food intolerance, but friends and family aren’t. Either way, downplaying your intolerance may lead them to take less caution when preparing your food, increasing the risk of cross-contamination or hidden allergens.
Be firm and assertive about your dietary needs. Explain that even a small amount of the offending ingredients can cause significant health issues.
Unfortunately, there are cases when the restaurant staff were less than cautious. Such examples have led to permanent disabilities or health problems. Avoid this situation by reinforcing the importance of following strict guidelines when preparing your meal.
Do Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet
What happens if you ingest an offending foodstuff? People with intolerances are usually in for an uncomfortable day or two. However, if you have an allergy, you could develop a severe allergic reaction.
Medical alert bracelets provide information for medical teams about your condition. Paramedics can quickly realise you’ve had a reaction, providing an adrenaline injection to save your life. Some of the latest bracelets incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including microchips.
Usually, these bracelets are engraved with key information, such as name (first and last name), medical condition, allergies, lifesaving medications, and emergency contact.
Don’t Forget to Mention Cross-Contamination
Just because a dish doesn’t contain a specific ingredient doesn’t mean you’re safe. Cross-contamination involves the inadvertent transfer of allergens from one food item to another. Such a dangerous occurrence happens during food preparation, cooking, or even serving. For instance, a knife used to chop nuts might then be used to slice vegetables, or a grill that cooked a seafood dish could be used for your supposedly safe steak.
Restaurants should have rigorous cross-contamination practices. Colour-coded utensils are usually used to differentiate between allergen-containing and allergen-free food. Buffets and shared platters are best avoided unless you can ensure the food is prepared fresh in the kitchen.
Do Carry Your Emergency Medication
Always have your emergency medication with you, especially when dining out. This includes an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen) for severe allergies and antihistamines for milder reactions. Having these medications on hand can be lifesaving in the event of accidental exposure to an allergen. Familiarise yourself with how to use them and ensure those around you know how to assist if necessary.
Your friends and family should know how to respond if a reaction occurs – whether it’s administering medication or calling for medical help.
Don’t Be Embarrassed
Food allergies and intolerances are nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, they’re more common than ever – up to one-fifth of the UK population could have an allergy.
Protected by UK law, you have every right to request an allergy or intolerance-free dish. If you arrive at a restaurant and feel uneasy about their ability to manage your dietary restrictions, don’t hesitate to leave. Your health and safety are more important than any social discomfort. Politely explain your concerns to the staff and find another dining option that can better accommodate your needs.
Get Tested with Test Your Intolerance
Dining out with food intolerances is a lot easier if you know what the intolerance is. Test Your Intolerance’s Intolerance Test is a home-to-lab blood test that analyses for 63 common triggers. It screens for IgG4 antibodies related to specific intolerance triggers. If levels are raised, it indicates a potential food intolerance.
Purchase the test kit, send us a small pin-prick blood spot sample, and receive your results in under 7 days. It’s the gold standard for home-to-lab testing. Buy the Intolerance Test today.
