Dining Out Tips for Parents of Children With Food Allergies
Sally Howland, GrabaBiteMA.com Features Editor
October 17, 2007

Food allergies are being diagnosed today with greater frequency than ever before, particularly in children. Approximately 90% of all food allergies are caused by one or more of the following: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, shellfish or peanuts. Dining out with a child who has one or more food allergies can be a challenge. With careful attention and preparation on your part, your child can have a healthy and pleasurable treat!

When your family is eating away from home:

1. Making a reservation? That is a wonderful time to ask about recommendations and accommodations for you child’s food allergy.

2. Find out about the ingredients used in the dishes serve at the restaurant where you plan to eat. If possible, obtain a menu from the restaurant ahead of time and review the menu items.  Alternatively, their website might be able to provide you with this information.

3. When you are seated, inform the waitstaff about your child's food allergy. Ask about preparation and ingredients before you order. Your server should know how each dish is prepared and what ingredients are used. If he or she does not know this information or seems unsure, ask to speak to the manager or chef.

4. It’s a good idea to avoid family-style or buffet-style service, as there may be cross contamination of foods from using the same utensils for different dishes. Allergens can be passed in this manner.

5. It is advisable to avoid all fried foods, as the same oil may be used to fry several different foods. Again, this is another easy way for allergens to be passed.

Alternatively, make up a card detailing your child’s dietary restrictions. This card will list the specific items your child is allergic to. You may want to include a polite reminder to make sure all utensils and equipment items used to prepare the meal are thoroughly cleaned prior to use. This is particularly useful if you child is eating out with others.  Simply, give your child a copy of your food allergy card (or make sure the adult in charge has one) to give to the server.

There are several types of allergy cards available on the internet ready to be customized with your child's personal information. One example is the "Food Allergy Buddy" Dining Card, promoted by the National Restaurant Association.

Awareness of the issues you and your child face in eating out are growing! The Food Allergy Initiative in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, have developed the “Food Allergy Training Program for Restaurants and Food Services.” This training program was developed to help restaurants and other foodservice outlets to ensure their customers, including those with food allergies, will receive a safe meal prepared to customer specifications.