How to overcome this? Food Allergy Cards

Food Allergy cards can be purchased online or made easily with business card template paper and your home printer. In my experience of living in the Eastern part of the USA, the majority of kitchen workers are of South American decent and Spanish is their native language. With this in mind, I compose my food allergy cards in English on one side and Spanish on the other.  If you are traveling to another country or to a specific cultural restaurant, you can tailor the back of your card to match the language of the place you are visiting.  Most restaurants and their service personnel are very appreciative of this effort, and it lessens the miscommunications from the table to the kitchen.

Online vs Make your own:

Language translations on the allergy card website may be more accurate than translate google.  Be prepared and appreciative when corrected if the translation is incorrect.  Honestly, most places give you an A for effort.  The food allergy cards on the internet are Plastic coated. These can be disinfected if it’s not lost by the server, or the kitchen and the Cost is $4-15 per card.  A pack of business card templates of 120 cards range between $4.00 – $8.00, if the server loses it or it gets stained, no big deal, it’s simple to make more. Both allow for customization and the cards ordered online will allow for a downloadable version to show on your phone or you can print more at home.

Regardless of whether you make your own allergy cards or purchase them, we need to talk about the distance between you and the kitchen that is preparing your food.  In my experience, small and independently owned is your safest restaurant choice. Less distance and people between you and whoever is making your food.  In these smaller establishments, I have experienced the owner and or chef come to the table and clarify my food allergy concerns.

Many large restaurants will have at least 2 other staff people besides your server who will handle your order after the order is taken.  Often times there are kitchen managers who help expedite the orders and food runners who will deliver the food.  When dealing with a food allergy, clear communication to all of these individuals is critical.  One uninformed staff person can lead to one very sick customer. I have had my safely prepared allergen free meal given to another customer by a food runner and was served the one with the allergens.

Calling a restaurant ahead of your visit and speaking to the manager/owner will also help in having a safe dining experience.  Remember, these are suggestions and there are no guarantees. Always bring a few allergy cards and your counteracting medications when dining out.