How to have an allergy-friendly Father’s Day – 18 June

Looking for ways to celebrate Father’s Day this year but concerned about allergies? We’ve put together a brief guide to help you make this day run smoothly. Whether eating out or trying to find the perfect allergy-friendly gift, we’ve got tips for you.

We hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day!

Eating out

Eating out with allergies, whether it’s for yourself or someone in your party, shouldn’t have to be stressful. By law, all food businesses selling catered food (for example in restaurants, takeaways and hotels) are required to provide information on any of the 14 major food allergens in the food they serve.

If you’re eating out, we recommend contacting the restaurant beforehand to discuss your allergy requirements and check they can safely cater for you.

When you arrive check again with your server or the chef, if possible, that they can cater for your allergy/ies. Give them a chef card if you have one. Once your food has arrived, do a final check that you’ve got the right meal and it doesn’t contain your allergen. If you don’t feel that your allergies are being taken seriously, don’t risk it. Eat elsewhere.

Remember if you or someone in your party has been prescribed adrenaline, they must carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with them at all times.

For more guidance and what to do if something goes wrong, see our Eating out guide.

Top tips:

• Call the food business beforehand and explain you/your family member’s allergies – discuss suitable dishes.
• Ensure the staff making and serving you food are aware of your allergy and the impact the wrong allergen information or cross-contamination could have.
• Be diligent – never assume just because a certain dish was safe before that it always is.
• If you have been prescribed adrenaline, have your two auto-injectors close to hand, just in case.

Alternatives:

• With June being one of the warmer months why not have a Father’s Day picnic or BBQ and pack your own safe food?
• Raining? Grab some allergy-safe food and snacks and have a movie marathon or game night.

Shopping for gifts

Remember that allergens can find their way into products that you may not expect, including cosmetics, so it is always important to check labels. Speak to your father about their allergies and if are there any products that they feel more comfortable using or eating.

Top Tips:

• Check the labels of any food products carefully, including any precautionary labelling such as ‘May contain’. Many of the 14 major food allergens appear in sweets and chocolate, for example milk and nuts.
• You may also find allergens in cosmetics and toiletries, so always check the label and be aware that ingredients may be written in Latin. You can find a list of common allergen Latin names in our  Cosmetics, personal care products and medicines factsheet.

Gift ideas:

• For peace of mind, you may wish to avoid food or toiletries and go for a safer option such as a photo frame with a picture of you and your father.
• A new glass or mug for the perfect Father’s Day drink.
• A handmade gift such as a knitted scarf makes for an extra special keepsake.
• A gift card to your father’s favourite shop so they can get exactly what they want.