how to avoid food allergies while dining out?

Question

what are the precautions to be taken

Answer 1

First off, let your waiter/waitress know about your food allergies. Then, they have the ability to help you find the foods that you are not allergic to, and they can notify the cooks about your allergies.

Second, ask a lot of questions on ingredients or how the food is prepared. It's your health, so don't feel shy about asking.

Third, try to avoid places like fast food restaurants or any place where cross-contamination could take place.

Fourth, don't eat alone. Make sure you are with someone that can get you to the hospital if something goes wrong.

Answer 2

First know what your allergies are and write them on a card to be placed in your wallet along with an emergency contact name and number. If you know where you will be dining - call ahead ask if they will take a special order or recommendation for your dietary needs. As an example if you are allergic to wasabi and you are going to have sushi-tell the chef No Wasabi I am allergic and he will make you sushi that is best without wasabi. If you are going to a surf and turf and are allergic to shrimp ask if they are cooked separately. Believe me they are used to accommodating pickier things for less reason and the last thing anyone wants is you toes up on the floor waiting for an ambulance. Order carefully and when in doubt ask. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Anu,

My Mom and Dad recently visited me and my Dad has very severe allergies to MSG.

I called or emailed my favorite restaurants (non-chain) and asked if they used MSG or any ingrdients containing MSG, such as Accent or Old Bay Seasoning.

La Petite Jardin's chef/owner doesn't like MSG, so he knew for a fact that none of his ingredients contained it.

Some places, such as Napa Valley Grille and Doug Arango's, searched their kitchen ingredients, and came up with NO.

Casino Ballroom, in Catalina Island, recommended 2 dishes that were guarunteed to be MSG free.

Other places, such as The Stinkin Rose, would not give me an answer one way or the other.

Answer 4

My wife has allergies and I emailed the various chains and was supplied with menus for advoiding Soy, Gluten etc. if you like I can emial the responses I rec'd.

For instance outback steakhosue as a gluten free menu.

Answer 5

I don't think you know what you're allergic to until you try it. If dining out, stick to foods that you know you will not have a reaction to... stick to foods you eat regularly or have eaten in the past.

Answer 6

Be sure to let the server know........ask to speak to the cook/chef. Ask questions!