3 Keys to Staying Safe when Dining Out
For parents managing their child’s food allergies, dining safely with food allergies can be stressful, especially when dining away from home…
But it doesn’t have to be totally off the table!
With an informed, thoughtful approach, families can enjoy safe dining experiences. The three keys? Knowledge, preparedness, and communication.
In my book Navigating Food Allergies, I distill the three key strategies recommended by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology on how parents can keep their childcare safe while dining away from home. I also talk about the restaurant’s strategies.
Dining Out Safely with Food Allergies – 3 Strategies
1. Knowledge
Patients and families need to know their food allergens and, as discussed with their allergist, what foods they need to avoid. They also must know how to recognize a reaction, just in case there is an accidental ingestion. Restaurant staff should be trained to understand common allergens, how to prevent cross-contact, and other safe food handling practices. Knowledge is power!
2. Preparedness (Safe Practices for Restaurants)
Before heading out, it’s important to do your homework on the menu: review the menu and even call ahead to confirm they can safely serve your child. Also, always carry emergency medications, and have a plan in case of a reaction. Restaurants can be prepared by having safe practices, such as keeping ingredient lists updated, having allergy protocols in place, and ensuring cross-contact does not occur.
3. Communication
Clear and kind communication bridges the gap between guests and staff. You must confidently share your allergy needs with servers, managers, and chefs (and teach your child to do this too!). Restaurant staff should listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and relay information accurately. Never hesitate asking to speak with the manager and the chef.
Dining out with food allergies is a shared responsibility for both families and restaurants. When all parties commit to knowledge, preparedness, and communication, mealtime becomes less about risk and anxiety—and more about connection and enjoyment. Learn more by watching my segment on Fox8 New Orleans.
Are you in need of an allergist in your area? Check out these allergist finder tools:
AAAAI Allergist Finder: https://allergist.aaaai.org/find/
ACAAI Allergist Finder: https://acaai.org/locate-an-allergist
OIT Allergist Finder: https://fastoit.org/find-oit-allergists/
A note from Dr. Hoyt
I have talked about a non-profit…
Pam and I volunteer with the non-profit The Teal Schoolhouse. Its primary program is Code Ana. Code Ana equips schools for medical emergencies like anaphylaxis.
Code Ana’s Online Epinephrine Training Program helps support that goal. Through this program, you will educate yourself while you support this important mission!
A medical emergency response plan is important for everyone at any school. Code Ana’s program Med-E Ready is a comprehensive approach to school-focused medical preparedness. This program guides schools through the process of creating a medical emergency response plan. A response team is also developed! This is one of the most important components of a school’s food allergy policy!
Does your kiddo’s school have Code Ana?
Remember, Dr. Hoyt is an allergist, but she isn’t your allergist, so talk with your allergist about what you’ve just learned!
Some content is developed with the help of evidence-based resources and AI.