Food Allergic Consumer (FAC) Experience in Restaurants and Food Establishments

Abstract

Limitations on dining outside of the home cause a significant negative impact on quality of life for families with a food allergic individual (FAI). We evaluated FAC's experiences regarding restaurant/take-out meals. Surveys were completed by adults attending the 2007 Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network conferences (New York, Chicago), answering with regard to their family's most severely affected FAI. Respondents' (n = 294; 94% Caucasian; 50% annual income >$100,000) FAI was a median age 5 yrs (83% had multiple food allergies). Overall, 34% of the FAIs experienced at least one restaurant reaction (36% had 3 or more reactions); of total reactions, 70% were to peanut and 64% to tree nuts. The current rate of “never eat” was 20% for fast food, 25% for informal dining, and 19% for formal dining establishments. Regarding notification, 70% reported “always” alerting staff and 14% do so using something in writing. Only 71% were aware that restaurant chains may offer website allergy information and 26% that 800 numbers may exist for allergy information. Regarding FAC experience with various forms of allergen notification, inconsistent information was noted. When queried about restaurant ingredient lists, most participants (78%) felt that “contains” statements are very useful, but did not prefer various advisory statements (e.g., “may contain”). A significant percentage of FAI's have experienced allergic reactions in restaurants and avoid dining out altogether. We identified deficits in communication about food allergy for both the FAC and establishments that, if rectified, may improve safety and quality of life.