Food Allergy in Restaurants Work Group Report

Abstract

Individuals with food allergy are at risk for accidental exposures, potentially resulting in allergic reactions that may cause significant morbidity and mortality. Dining out, including restaurants or take-out, account for a large proportion of severe reactions. Errors due to gaps in knowledge or miscommunication can easily occur on behalf of food-allergic individuals or restaurant staff, resulting in accidental exposures and allergic reactions. Improved legislation, training of restaurant staff, and practitioner-guided education are recommended to reinforce patient safety and prevent severe allergic reactions. This Work Group Report provides guidance with specific practices that practitioners may recommend, and that patients and restaurant staff may employ, for prevention and treatment of food-allergic reactions in restaurants.

Keywords: Accidental exposure; Allergic reaction; Cross-contact; Dining out; Food allergy; Patient education; Restaurant training; Restaurants.