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Informing Wait Staff And Food Service People Regarding Food Allergies

A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Philadelphia, PA

When I go out to restaurants, the first thing I do before I order is inform the server that I have allergies to Gluten and Dairy; even if the restaurant didn't have a dedicated menu, which a lot don't, I can always scan the menu for stuff I can eat and ask for modifications if necessary. When I was out to eat with my fiance tonight, we went to a diner we usually go to once a year when we are in that locale, I tried to inform my server about my allergies and she got nasty, saying there was "no… read more

May 30, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone who faced hostility from a server when disclosing food allergies, with many sharing similar frustrating... Read more

Members rallied around someone who faced hostility from a server when disclosing food allergies, with many sharing similar frustrating experiences of being dismissed, misunderstood, or treated as if their needs were an inconvenience rather than a medical necessity. Several members offered practical strategies, including using AllergyEats.com to find safe restaurants, creating allergy cards to hand directly to kitchen staff (ideally in multiple languages), calmly but firmly requesting a manager when servers are uncooperative, and choosing a few trusted "home base" restaurants where staff understand and respect dietary restrictions. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy without guilt, knowing that requesting allergen-free meals is a right not a favor, and celebrating the update that the original poster successfully contacted the owner, received an apology, and learned the restaurant now offers gluten-free pasta.

A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member

Definitely rate them on allergyeats.com. I would also write the owner and corporate office. Maybe even give them a yelp review. I've run into people that think I'm just doing a fad diet. Like I would do this to myself if I didn't have to! Allergyeats.com is a great resource for finding safe places near you. I made business cards with our allergies listed on them for each of our family members. We give them to friends and family who want to cook for us. Also we give them to servers to give the cook. If you don't have a big list, I would translate it into Spanish, too. Cooks *love* having lists. It clears up confusion. Sorry that happened to you.

May 30, 2018
A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member

Thanks for the offer, but violence isn't necessary. I just won't go back. I always check if the chips (fries) are made in a dedicated fryer or if it's shared with the breaded stuff (most of the time it's shared). Didn't notice the broken nose in the photo, but you look great! I'm not as young as I seem to look in my photo, by the way. My mom says I get away with stuff because of the "big brown eyes" (which my fiance loves). I have made the ""meat sauce" a few times since the photo, but the fettuccine is a distant memory, I'm pairing the sauce with Gluten Free penne when I cook sometime over the long holiday weekend. I promised my fiance that I'd make sandwiches to take along on our trip tomorrow (on GF Bread) and I'm bringing along a couple bags of Chick Pea puffs (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, et al).

August 31, 2018
A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member

A lot of them don't care. It's totally sad, but it's the truth, they don't care about the safety of people with food allergies. There are those who do care, but I get stuck with those who don't know how to handle it or don't want to.

August 31, 2018
A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member

I personally don't think that the problem was on your side at all, and I don't see the need to change your behaviour. Agree with the manager that the waitron needs to be taken care of. And so glad to hear about the new gluten free pasta!

August 30, 2018
A MyFoodAllergyTeam Member

I just won't go back there anymore was rude to you

June 16, 2018

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