Holiday gatherings are usually filled with family, friends – and food. Here are some tips from FAACT for traveling during any holiday season, as well as dining in/out to help you avoid any potential dangers!
Traveling during holidays:
Plan your route and note allergy-friendly restaurants to visit along the way.
Eat a good meal before leaving home to help keep everyone full for a longer period of time (and limit the need to eat on the road).
Bring a cooler full of allergy-friendly snacks. Keep the snacks fun and be sure to include a variety of sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft.
Dinner at your house:
Plan in advance what others can bring. Assign dishes that are less likely to contain allergens.
Are they buying the item or making it from scratch? Discuss label reading and recommend certain brands you know are allergen safe.
Have them take a picture of the label and text or email you if they have any questions.
Gently, but thoroughly, go over how to avoid cross-contact in the kitchen.
Be in charge of all the baked goods (a frequent source of allergens) and remind them to not bring the allergen as a gift.
Dinner at a family member or friend’s house:
Contact, or ask the host to contact, everyone attending the meal to politely remind them not to bring any unsafe items.
Offer to go a little early and help clean the kitchen before cooking to help prevent any risks of cross-contact.
Offer to help the host cook the food.
Have your child eat a snack before you go so they’re less tempted to grab food when you’re not watching.
Bring separate dishes that you know your child can eat.
Remind your child about not eating anything that you haven’t OK’d first.
Dining out during the holidays:
Research restaurants to find out if they’re allergy-friendly.
Call ahead to speak with the chef and/or manager and address any concerns.
When at the restaurant, let your server know about the allergy. Ask to speak to the manager and/or chef so you have no doubt the kitchen has been made aware.
Consider eating at a time that is less busy.
Wishing you safe and Happy Holidays all year through!
