Practical advice when ordering food by phone or online.

Following some calls to our helpline on this topic we have prepared some tips to help you have a safe enjoyable meal.

These tips are really important – takeaway food can pose a risk to people with severe allergies, particularly to peanut.  Remember that one in 5 takeaways sold as peanut free contained peanut.

Our top tips

• Never assume that a dish will be exactly the same as it was on a previous occasion
• Always mention exactly which allergens you need to avoid
• Emphasise this if you need to avoid traces too
• Don’t assume nuts includes peanuts. You need to mention both if you are avoiding both
• If you order food from a third party website, take extra care. You may need to phone or email the takeaway directly to be sure. Get their direct number online and talk to the manager
• Don’t be misled by logos or symbols on the website. If there is a picture of an allergen it may indicate presence or absence of the allergen in the dish. Double check with staff
• Ask staff by phone or email how your dish will be identified when it is delivered

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