Instead of Tree Nuts

Yes. Food Allergies Are Real. It is No Joke!

FOR MY SON🌞 Here’s the thing….so many people who do not have food allergies joke about this. It’s not funny. It may be a 911 call and even a hospital stay for those who carry epi-pens. So, if you pretend to have one because you don’t like tomatoes or cheese or even gluten PLEASE DO NOT EVER DO THAT AGAIN.

If the general public takes this lightly it is not taken seriously. It becomes a precedent, a common practice for others to say someone is faking or exaggerating. “He will be fine, she’s not really allergic” Be mindful and please take this more seriously.

These are Epi-Pens

HERE IS A TIP FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES

If you haven’t done this already, get 2 sets of epi-pens

  • One for your bag on the go &

  • One for home, always available.

    They should be kept in the same place all the time for quick use. If you don’t have to think it will save time.

Here is another suggestion, don’t be afraid to let people know where you keep them.

Other Things To Know

HOSTING A PARTY OR HAVING GUESTS….

IT’S EASY TO CONTAMINATE FOOD & ITS ALMOST ALWAYS AN ACCIDENT. Here are a few tips:

If you are inviting people over to your home, become aware. Take a moment and ask if they have any food allergies, especially if these are your children’s guests.

  • You don’t have to “food proof” your home.

  • Talk to your guests or their parents, read labels, be a good friend and an even better host.

  • Don’t pretend the food is safe if you are unsure. They will be thankful and so will you. Just be honest. It is life or death for many.

Here is something else you can do, ask them to bring something they can eat. Believe it or not they are used to it, and it takes so much worry away for them and their parents. It’s not rude if you let them know you are unfamiliar and don’t know where to begin. Ask for help. It’s that easy.

insteadofsage

SOMETIMES IT’S LISTED RIGHT THERE IN BLACK & WHITE….CONTAINS XXX or MANUFACTURED IN FACILITY WITH…

When you read a label, it may have been manufactured with tree nuts or other known food allergens. It’s called cross-contamination. The food industry is required to include allergies on labels.

It’s not easy, but just imagine what it’s like for someone who has to do this every single day of their life. They can’t eat without reading a label.

Or when they go out to eat they not only have to voice their allergy which can embarrassing, they have to have faith in the server & the kitchen that they will deliver the message and that they will be taken seriously. Fortunately, now there are many restaurants who have procedures in place for this. It’s a huge relief.

LABELS - READ THEM

RESTAURANTS TRAIN YOUR STAFF - IT WILL SAVE YOU MILLIONS!! - if you at least try.

There are so many people that flow through your restaurants having awareness is step one. If someone tells you or your staff, they have a food allergy knowing what questions to ask is the simplest form of support. If your team cannot support their allergy and you have to turn them away not only, did you save yourself from harm you protected them. Turn them away kindly, it’s not easy for them either and it can be burdensome.

Another Suggestion: Taking a course with your team can help alleviate some risk and bring knowledge to your restaurant.