If you have a food allergy, you know that preparing a meal can be a difficult task as you work to make sure all your ingredients are allergen-free. Eating out at a restaurant has all the same risks as eating at home without the hands-on control being in your own kitchen provides. Check out these tips to protect yourself from an allergic reaction when eating out.

• Plan ahead – Whenever possible, chose a restaurant in advance and research the menu before you arrive. Many restaurants have websites that include menus.

• Pick the right time – Don’t visit a restaurant for the first time during peak serving times or rushes. Mistakes are more likely when restaurant staff are hurrying to fill many orders. Time your visit for a slower part of the day, or call ahead during an off-peak time to talk about your special food needs with the manager or chef.

• Notify staff – As soon as you enter the restaurant, ask to speak to the manager or chef. Don’t let your safety rest on a hostess or other staff member relaying your message and getting the details correct.

• Make sure the table is clean – Before you sit down ask to have the table cleaned again. Small amounts of food on the table or seats can be enough to trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

• Be kind to your wait-staff - Be polite with wait-staff and be sure to explain why you need special consideration in the preparation and handling of your food. Make sure the staff knows this is an allergy that can have serious consequences and not just a food preference. If your waiter is not willing to work with you, don’t hesitate to ask for the manager.

• Know your allergy – You need to be your own best source of information. Know exactly what foods you are allergic to and what other names the food may be called in an ingredient list. Be prepared with a list of hiding places, such as sauces or toppings that may contain your allergen.

• Look for several options – Look for items on the menu that appear to be safe or that contain your allergen as a condiment or side that is easily removed. Don’t hesitate to ask for an ingredient list or ask to speak to the chef if you have questions. Try to find several options that you can order to make sure the kitchen can make the necessary adjustments.

• Watch out for cross-contamination – Even if your food is prepared perfectly, allergens can arrive with your meal if your plate is carried on a tray with other dishes. Other sources of cross-contamination include garnishes, utensils that are used to cook multiple foods, oils used for frying foods, and grills or other cook surfaces.

• Build on good relationships – If you find a restaurant that is willing to work with you to prepare your meals safely, be a supporter of that restaurant and encourage your friends and family to eat there as well.

• If you are not sure, ask again – If you have any doubts that your meal was prepared as requested, don’t hesitate to ask your server to confirm that it is correct. Some kitchen staff may not understand that simply removing an allergen food from your plate is not good enough. The small particles of food left behind may be enough to trigger a reaction. If your plate is not right, don’t hesitate to send the whole thing back and ask that they completely remake your meal.

Even with the best of intentions, mistakes can happen. Whenever you eat out, make sure you have any medication your doctor recommends to treat an allergic reaction, just in case. Also make sure the people you will be eating with know what symptoms to watch for and what to do in case you need medical treatment.

Sources:
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
About.com: Food Allergies