How to Attend Parties & Dinners While Dealing With Food Allergies

Do you or a loved one suffer from food allergies? Here are some ideas that could make it a safer event.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Tolerance
• Plastic food containers
• Cooler

1. As soon as an invitation is received or given, find out what the menu will be. Many a host or guest has waited until the day of the event to announce a food allergy or intolerance, and expected accommodation. Be polite and ask well in advance, and if a menu has not been planned, ask to bring a dish that would be safe for the allergic person. Remember to bring utensils to be used only with the dish to prevent cross-contamination.

2. If the event will be at a restaurant, call ahead to ask if you could request special dietary requirements. Most restaurants will accommodate if given enough notice, but make sure to talk to an owner or manager so you can reiterate your special request at the time of seating.

3. In the event your requests can not be accommodated, don't be afraid to bring your own dish in a plastic microwave-safe container. Many times I have taken a favorite meal along when dining with my child, and the kitchen was not bothered. Most places would rather accommodate a diner with their own meal than try to make an allergy-safe meal from their kitchen. Having a safe meal still allows you the ability to enjoy the social aspects of the gathering.

4. An excellent idea when dining away from home is to carry disinfectant wipes and/or disposable placemats. Especially at restaurants, there is usually one rag to wipe down many tables, causing a cross-contamination issue. Wiping down the table insures there will be a less likely chance of having an issue with food residue and possible causing an allergy. Disposable placemats are available in the children's department in most stores, this can provide an extra layer of protection as they usually are sticky and wrap around the edge of the table.

Tips & Warnings

• A container placed into a small cooler bag will keep the meal warm for a couple of hours.
• Remember the allergy is the responsibility of the person allergic or their caretaker. Do not assume food will be safe without knowing exactly how it is made. If you have any doubt, do not eat it.
• When dining out, it is always advisable to carry Benadryl or equivalent, and an Epi-Pen or equivalent.
• I am not a doctor, just a mom with a severely allergic child. Please seek medical advice about your own individual allergies.
• People with inhalation allergies will need extra precautions when dining away from home; I do not have any information about those allergies since we do not experience them in our family.

[mistymq]

on 11/23/2008 Great article!