If you’re looking to pamper your dad but severe allergies are causing you stress, our Father’s Day Allergy Guide can offer you a few top tips to help make the day go smoothly.
Eating Out
If you or a member of your family has severe allergies we understand that it can be stressful to find somewhere to eat out.
With the risks of cross-contamination or an allergen’s appearance in a dish, eating out can be risky for those with allergies. The new Food Information Regulations (FIR) is designed to make eating out safer and more stress-free. Since their introduction in December 2014 restaurants, delis and caterers must provide information on request regarding allergies. This information could be written down on a chalk board or chart, or provided orally by a member of staff. Where the specific allergen information is not provided upfront, clear signposting to where this information could be obtained must be provided. These rules will only cover information about major allergens intentionally used as ingredients.
Members can also check our ‘Tried and Trusted’ area to find out which restaurants have been approved by other allergic people. Not a member? Click here to find out more.
Top Tips:
- Call the restaurant beforehand and explain you/your family member’s allergies – discuss suitable dishes.
- Ensure all staff are aware of the allergy and the impacts contamination could have.
- Be diligent – never assume just because a certain dish was safe before that it always is.
- If in doubt, don’t eat out – ask your dad what he would like to eat and make that instead. That way you can make something safe but still a real treat. Make sure you check the ingredients labels.
- Always have adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) close to hand, just in case.
Buying Presents
If you’re looking to buy a gift for your dad this Father’s Day, the idea of finding an allergy-friendly gift may be daunting. Allergens can crop up in unexpected places and can be risky for those with an allergy.
Top Tips:
- Check the ingredients for the products – allergens can appear in unexpected places.
- Some allergens may appear in the list in Latin – our ‘Cosmetics, Personal Care Products and Medicines’ Factsheet has a handy list of some Latin names to look out for.
- Always have adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) close to hand, just in case.
Safe present ideas:
You can avoid most allergens all together by choosing one of these safe options:
- A photo frame and photo of you and your father – this can be a really nice, personal gift.
- A mug, beer glass, etc. – if your dad likes a good cuppa or a pint once in a while this could be an ideal safe gift for him.
- Handcrafted gift – if you’re artistically inclined a drawing of you and your dad, a knitted scarf or any other handmade item is a really personal way of saying happy father’s day.
- A gift card for his favourite shop – this is a safe gift and allows your dad to get exactly what he wants.
For more information, contact our helpline on 01252 542029 or email [email protected]