How to Communicate Your Food Allergies

Image: https://hbr.org/2024/01/a-simple-hack-to-help-you-communicate-more-effectively

By Ameya Balaji

Food allergies are more than “just” a reaction: they can be life-threatening. Communicating your allergies can keep you safe, be it at a new restaurant, potluck, or in your school life. However, informing others can be a bit tough. Here are some tips for communicating your food allergies in everyday scenarios.

Dining Out

Plan beforehand. Before you head into your restaurant, check out their menu online: do they have options that accommodate your allergies? What allergens are part of their menu, and what’s the chance of cross-contact? Researching in advance keeps you proactive and prepared.

Talk to the staff or chef. Let your server know about your allergies. Ask if your preferences can be met, and if needed, also speak with the chef or manager. Most restaurants are really friendly and helpful in these cases. I can sometimes even talk one-on-one with the chef to explain cross-contact.

Ask questions about the menu. Never assume that an item is safe. Some good questions to ask are:

• What are the allergens in [dish name]?

• How is [dish name] prepared to avoid accidental contact?

• What is the risk of cross-contact with allergens?

• Does [restaurant name] serve dishes free of [your allergens]?

Social Gatherings

When? Where? Know when your event is happening. Is it a family gathering? Should you request your family to avoid using your allergen? Is it a barbecue with a chance of cross-contact on the grill? Context is key in informing others about your allergies so you know exactly what to communicate.

Inform the host. Let your host know about your allergies and request safe options before they start cooking. You can also request to avoid allergens or use separate equipment/cleaning. A great way to let them know is to say something along these lines:

• Hi [host name], I’m really excited for [event], and I know that we’re planning to have food. I wanted to let you know that I have food allergies to [your allergens], which can be life-threatening. Because of that, there’s a risk of cross-contact or exposure to allergens in the food. I wanted to ask if there’s a chance that we can avoid my allergen(s) on the menu or if we can have specially prepared food.

Chances are, your host will help! Make sure to stay in touch and brainstorm alternatives.

Bring your own food. A backup is always essential: bringing your own food guarantees you have something safe to eat and can give you peace of mind if you have any doubts.

What if the event is soon? Of course, we can’t plan for everything. If the event is approaching quickly, bringing your own backup food is usually a great choice. If there’s still time for accommodation, ask!

School

Administration first. Letting your school leaders (e.g., principal, teachers) is always a great first step because they can be aware of your allergies and help with further steps in the school environment. Feel free to ask about things like cafeteria accommodations, allergy-free food zones, and medication storage.

Write it out. Make a list of your food allergies, a plan in case of a reaction, and more food allergy info. Check out FARE’s Back to School Resource Hub or this Just Allergy Things article for more tips/resources.

Friends & Family

Bring it up. Communicating food allergies with family and friends can be a breeze or sometimes pretty tough. When you’re talking and the topic of food or another relevant discussion hits, try to explain your food allergies. A conversation makes the development natural: your friend or family member will probably have some questions you can answer and elaborate on.

Go deeper. Since you’ll rely on your close family and friends in emergencies, make sure you try to explain your action plan. It’s also essential to address cross-contact (accidental or indirect exposure to allergens, e.g., using a knife that spreads peanut butter on a new sandwich). With this knowledge, they can then help advocate for you as well.

Tips When Communicating

Be clear and specific. What are your allergies and their symptoms? What are you concerned about? What action should the other party take? Keep your info concise and targeted.

If needed, include an action plan. How should they respond in case of a reaction? What are the steps to take in an emergency? Check out FARE’s food allergy emergency plan as a starter.

As always, stay prepared. As vital as it is to communicate with others, you play the most crucial role in your safety. Make sure to have your allergy medication (e.g., antihistamines, EpiPen, AuviQ) and a backup of food or snacks in case. You’ve got this!