Questions to Ask if You Have a Food Allergy
When you have a food allergy or sensitivity, finding safe foods to eat can be a real chore. This is especially true when dining out. It’s important that you understand the nature of your food allergy and make food choices accordingly. If eating out is a viable option for you, here are some good questions to ask to make sure that you stay safe.
What’s In It?
It’s natural to feel like a burden by asking questions about the menu, but for people with allergies, it’s imperative to know exactly what’s in the food you’ll be eating. Remember, it’s the job of the establishment to serve you. That includes answering any questions you need to ask to feel comfortable eating there. Any food truck or other food outlet should be able to provide you with a list of ingredients, including the presence of the 8 most common allergens.
Is It Cross Contaminated?
As much as you want to trust your health to the culinary knowledge of your cooks, not everyone understands that allergen-free foods can still initiate an allergic reaction if they’re cross contaminated. Ask about how and where your food will be prepared. If your allergy is severe and your food will be cooked using the same equipment as allergen-containing foods, it won’t be safe for you to eat.
Are You Comfortable Serving Me?
The operator and cooks at a food truck know what goes on in the kitchen better than anyone else. They know how much cross contamination goes on, or how well allergen-free items are kept separate. Sometimes, the best way to know if you can eat at a certain food joint is to inform them about the severity of your allergy and ask them if they feel comfortable serving you. If they feel confident in their ability to keep you safe, and you’ve done your own due diligence, chances are good that everything will work out fine.
If you have a food allergy, it’s up to you to keep yourself safe. Be informed at every food establishment you visit. And let them know about your allergy. They want you to be safe as well.
And remember, you might do everything right and still get your food and notice that there’s a problem. Click here for some tips on what to do if you aren’t satisfied with your order.