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.
Ordering food
It is now more important than ever before to take extra precautions when ordering food, particularly if the food business is new to providing food via distance selling.
There are strict laws covering the provision of allergen information in foods and you can read a detailed guide on our website here
When providing food through distance selling, businesses must provide allergen information about any of the 14 major EU allergens in the foods they prepare and serve whether that is ordered through an online platform or app, or over the telephone.
The allergen information must be available to you at two stages through the ordering process.
- Prior to the point of ordering – this can be given verbally or in writing (for example in an online menu)
- At the point of delivery – if a ‘no contact’ delivery is planned, this will need to be in writing (for example, stickers on packaging).
For more guidance on how to prepare and stay safe when ordering food, please see our Covid-19 advice.
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 you are preparing and making the food, 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]