Questions to Ask Your Server 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 is 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 your server to make sure that you stay safe.
What’s In It?
It is natural to feel like a burden by asking questions about the menu, but for people with allergies, it is imperative to know exactly what is in the food you will be eating. Remember, it is the job of the establishment to serve you. That includes answering any questions you need to ask to feel comfortable eating there. Your server 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 are 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?
Your server and cooks 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 the cook or server 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 have done your own due diligence, chances are good that everything will work out fine.
If you have a food allergy, it is up to you to keep yourself safe. Be informed at every food establishment you visit. And let your server know about your allergy. They want you to be safe as well.
And remember, you may do everything right and still get your food and notice right away that there’s a problem. Click here for some great tips on what to do when you aren’t satisfied with your order. And remember to use the Where’s The Foodtruck app to locate a food truck near you for food you are sure to love!