When we go out to eat, we often think it is as easy as showing up, ordering our food and enjoying. For many, this is the case but for others, it is not. If someone has allergies or food and dietary restrictions, their restaurant experience can be very different.
As due diligence, many parents and individuals get EpiPen’s and other prescriptions through services like kry medical and ensure to have all of the tools and resources necessary to manage their allergies, food intolerance and dietary restrictions. There are certain steps that these individuals have to take to keep themselves and loved ones safe. This includes keeping hands clean, preventing contamination and other risks. For those with allergies, something as simple as eating causes extreme anxiety because despite all of the precautionary measures they take, there are many other elements and variables that they cannot.
The waiting staff should ask about any allergies or dietary restrictions upon greeting your table and as one of the first things they do. This helps them
understand your specific needs and requirements. This information should and often is passed on to kitchen staff, bartenders and managers if necessary. If the server does not ask, you should still inform them as well as those you are dining with.
Restaurants are required to adhere to certain codes of conduct and practice when it comes to food handling. This helps with safety of food but also helps prevent contamination that can cause allergic reactions. The unfortunate reality is that despite the fact there may not be many instances that are reported, there are cases where these rules, regulations and practices are not followed or adhered to correctly. This includes large chain restaurants as well smaller mom and pop shops and restaurants.
One way that many countries and local governments are working to avoid allergic reactions and food contamination include training and education programs. Many of these programs exist already and are being implemented in different restaurant and food handling organizations. The aim of these, like many other education programs, is to promote awareness and to mitigate the risks associated with poor food handling including allergic reactions.
It becomes evident that dining out is more than just showing up and eating. The process involved in getting your food from the kitchen to your plate is elaborate and rigorous to ensure that what you’re eating is safe, delicious and risk free. For more information on these processes and the regulations involved, you can visit local government and/ or food inspection agencies or ask the waiting staff at your favorite restaurant. Education and awareness are a great first step in making everyone’s dining experience the absolute best that it can be.
