Food Allergy
Important information for diners with food allergies:
We are have built a system that enables restaurants to communicate their ability to serve diners with allergies accurately. Diners who have concerns about cross-contamination should contact the restaurant of their choice before booking to ensure their individual needs can be met. We recommend providing chefs with at least 48 hours' notice to ensure they can offer a tasty option and maintain your safety.
Our one of a kind safety feature allows users to choose from the following safety levels:
No added:
This is for dishes that are made without ingredients containing allergens. There is no commitment to prevent cross-contamination, including ingredients that may contain the ingredient.
This level is aimed at diners with intolerances. If a diner selects this level, they will be shown ALL of the dishes that do not contain this ingredient.
May Contain:
This is for dishes that are made without ingredients containing allergens. Practical steps are taken to minimise cross-contamination; some ingredients may contain the allergen.
This level is aimed at diners with intolerances or allergies who have concerns about cross-contamination but are not at risk of severe allergic reaction if cross-contamination occurs. Diners with allergies who choose this level do so at their own risk. When this level is selected, users are only shown 'May Contain' & the higher 'Allergen Minimised’ dishes.
Allergen Minimised:
This is for dishes that are made without ingredients containing allergens, in an environment that prioritises reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Restaurants using this category take all practical steps to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.
This level is aimed at diners with severe allergies. Restaurants using this level understand diners may face life-threatening illness if exposed to the allergen. Diners who choose this level are shown only 'Allergen minimised’ dishes. We advise that cross-contamination may still pose a risk due to unforeseen circumstances, and that diners should clearly explain their unique needs to staff at booking, arrival, and ordering.
All dishes are automatically listed as 'No Added'. Restaurants opt in to the higher level for individual or all dishes. Eat Choice does not audit the restaurant for accuracy.
Without a doubt, the most serious dietary restriction restaurants may need to accommodate is food allergy. Please read to find our policy on serving diners with food allergies and information from Allergy NZ.
EAT CHOICE FOOD ALLERGY POLICY
We do not take any responsibility for restaurants providing contaminated items to diners
We require all dishes labelled as allergen safe to be so. Do not choose this label unless you are 100% sure there is no risk of cross-contamination and your staff are fully trained in serving diners with food allergies - it is fine to have a dish on your site that may contain allergens, but do not choose the ‘free from’ label.
Eat Choice Ltd will remove outlets that fail to adhere to our safety requirements
Eat Choice will automatically add all dishes as ‘No Added’. If you wish to, you can upgrade your safety level. Please be aware that by opting in to ‘May Contain’ and ‘Allergen Minimised’, you invite diners to contact you to confirm your suitability to provide allergy-safe meals. We recommend that front-of-house staff are aware of your individual outlet’s allergy policy.
So, what exactly is a food allergy? Allergens trigger an immune response, leading to an immediate or delayed reaction. This reaction can be mild, for example, a rash. The reaction can also be life-threatening if a condition called anaphylaxis occurs. A diner with an allergen may experience anaphylaxis for the first time even if they have only had mild reactions previously. The Mayo Clinic describes anaphylaxis as;
‘Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It can happen seconds or minutes after you’ve been exposed to something you’re allergic to. Peanuts or bee stings are examples. In anaphylaxis, the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause the body to go into shock. Blood pressure drops suddenly, and the airways narrow, blocking your breathing. The pulse may be fast and weak, and you may have a skin rash. You may also get nauseous and vomit. Anaphylaxis needs to be treated right away with an injection of epinephrine. If it isn’t treated right away, it can be deadly. Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. If you don't have epinephrine, you need to go to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can be fatal.’ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468
Some diners are ok with food that ‘is made with equipment processing ingredients including their allergen’ however generally, you should assume every diner with an allergy is at risk from contamination and describe your dishes in such a manner that reflects this.
Important resources
Allergy NZ Food Safety training video
We recommend that your health and safety plan include first-aid training for allergic reactions, including how to administer an EPI Pen and perform CPR.