Dining Out With Food Allergies

Four out of every 100 children in America has a food allergy, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Whether it's to dairy or nuts or caused by a random trigger, an allergy poses challenges when dining out. If you're in the mood for Italian, take a look at the ways to make your meal-time easier, safer, and stress-free.

Don't assume that every Italian eatery has, or doesn't have, allergy-free menu items. Before you dine out, call ahead and ask:

• Can you provide an ingredient list? While this isn't always possible, it can help you to find hidden ingredients you may not think of in your child's favorite menu items.
• Where are the items prepared? A nut-free menu pick that's prepared next to nut-containing items could still pose a safety risk to your child. The same goes for dairy, wheat, and other allergens.
• How is the item prepared? Ask about whether the item of choice is prepared with your child's allergen. Butter, nut oils, and other similar potential allergens used as part of the preparation process could cause problems.
• What items do you suggest? The restaurant staff knows the menu. This means they can help you to choose acceptable, allergen-free items.

If you're unsure about ingredients or have any concerns, skip a menu item - even if it's typically your child's favorite. It's better to take a cautious approach when dining out with a food allergy.

Along with talking to the eatery's staff, look at the restaurant's menu before you dine out. Whether you browse the menu online or get a paper version, look for:

• Possible picks. What does your child like and what can they reasonably eat? Make sure there are plenty of kid-friendly picks that are also free of known allergens.
• Potential substitutions. What can you substitute to reduce the allergy risk? This might mean choosing a plain pasta dish, skipping a sauce, or asking about an alternative preparation. While not every eatery can accommodate these options, it doesn't hurt to ask.
• Other options. Even though your child may have picked their favorite fare from the restaurant's menu ahead of time, it's possible you'll find out that the preparation isn't allergen-free when you arrive at the eatery. Have a few extra options in mind before you dine out.

Not only can a pre-dining menu review help you to pick allergen-free items, but it can also reduce the amount of time you spend at the restaurant. If your child is young, has a short attention span, or doesn't like to sit for long times, choosing your menu ahead of time can help to reduce meal-time stress.

If this is your first time visiting a new restaurant, ask others around you before you dine out. People to ask about allergy-friendly Italian dining options include:

• Your child's doctor. The allergy specialist or pediatrician may know of local eateries that are particularly allergy-friendly.
• Your family and friends. The people who are closest to you will give you honest reviews and help you to find an eatery that's safe and serves plenty of tasty options.
• Parents of other children with allergies. Friends who have children with allergies or members of a "parents with kids who have allergies" social media group may have insider information that can help you make an educated choice.

When you ask about allergy-friendly restaurants, discuss specific menu options. Whether you ask friends, family, a medical professional, or anyone else, make a list of possible picks that they suggest as the best allergy-friendly Italian foods.

Is your family searching for an Italian eatery with plenty of menu options to choose from? Contact Picano's Italian Grille for more information.