The Dos and Don’ts of eating out with an allergy this Christmas

Navigating social events with an allergy is a challenge many people face throughout the year. During the festive period we often go out more with family, friends and colleagues and we still need to prioritise our safety when it comes to allergies – without feeling excluded.

Here’s a short list of Dos and Don’ts to apply to your social calendar this Christmas:

• Do tell your party about your allergy and make them aware of what to do in an emergency.
• Don’t assume staff understand the seriousness of allergies. Remember to discuss how your food will be prepared and if it will be in contact with your allergen (for example, cooked in the same pan or oil).
• Do your own research and always check in advance if a restaurant can cater for your allergy. Make suggestions for places you feel safe to eat at.
• Don’t be afraid to send food or drink back or leave the restaurant if you don’t feel safe.
• Do check the top 14 allergen information which all UK catering businesses must provide.
• Don’t forget that allergens can also be present in alcoholic drinks. Common allergens include milk, sulphites and cereals such as wheat, barley or corn.
• Do confirm when ordering and again when you receive your order that it does not contain your allergen.
• Don’t visit during busy times. This may be unavoidable over Christmas but if possible, try to pick a time when the restaurant will be less busy such as a weekday or early evening.
• Do look out for hidden allergens, for example, a complementary bread roll may contain nuts or seeds, and festive sauces, such as cranberry sauce or gravy, can come in lots of variations.
• Do always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times.

For more advice on eating out and what to do if something goes wrong, visit our Eating Out page.

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