Page 56 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

ordered the special coffee and had a slip-up. A few minutes later I started feeling sick and, by the time I had been dropped off at home, the symptoms were getting worse and worse. I then used my auto- injector and went to the hospital where soon the reaction was under control.
You can try to be as responsible as possible but, sometimes, we miss things. When things go wrong it is extremely important to act responsibly. What I learned from this situation was to take my epinephrine auto-injector right away and take responsibility for missing an unsafe ingredient in my coffee. That was the “meet the parents” night for my boyfriend. It was quite an eventful one!
Quick Tip - Asking specific questions about the ingredients in whatever you’re ordering can be really helpful in ensuring that the waiter understands the severity of your allergies. This helps give you peace of mind that there aren’t any surprise allergens present. However, keep in mind that, even when we try our best to reduce the risks, accidents can still happen.
What would you say? (Q&A)
Caitlyn P, Giulia, and Mathew
What is your little spiel that you give to the server at a restaurant?
Caitlyn – I typically say something like: “I just wanted to let you know that I have severe food allergies. I am allergic to wheat, eggs, and nuts. So my food cannot contain or come in contact with any of these items. I was looking at your (insert menu item here). Would that contain any of these foods or do you have any other safe options on your menu?”
After inquiring about a specific menu item, or asking what allergen-free options are available, waiters tend to be very good about inquiring and talking to the kitchen and the chef. If they give you a generic reply such as “Oh, yeah that item is fine,” don’t be afraid to specifically ask them to go and verify with the kitchen for you or ask if you can speak to the chef or manager. It is important, even if the specific item you are ordering does not contain an allergen, that the area and tools used to prepare your meal are also free of cross-contamination.
Giulia - My little spiel goes a little like this: “Hi. I just want to inform you that I have a severe and life- threatening allergy to... Are there any accommodations you can make for me? I was also looking at this item on the menu and I wanted to know if it is safe for me.”
Mathew – I find it depends on the situation. If I am in a rush, I will say: “I have a nut allergy. What would you recommend as being a safe choice? Something simple please...” If I have more time, and want to select something off of the menu, I say: “I have a nut allergy and was looking at the (insert dish here). Can you deal with allergies/have you dealt with them before? Can you speak with the kitchen staff?”