Hi Joe,
It is not so much what is in foods in restaurants but also what they are
cross contaminated with. As a rule the seriously allergic do not eat in
restaurants the risk is too great unless we bring our own food. But then
again if you are severly allergic all their furnishings are massively
contaminated because they do not need to take the care that we do in
cleaning up. I have a friend who has a friend! whose little girl broke
out in hives after sitting in a high chair contaminated with milk
protein. These "hidden" ingredients constantly cause problems with the
severely allergic - we rely heavily on ingredient list being complete.
They should at least be sure to include the major allergens. Also all
companies should be made to put their phone number on their labels
enabling the allergic individual to phone and do a double check. In
Canada we are fighting to achieve just that.
An added note: re our ambulances not carrying epipens!
Now in Ontario the ambulance attendants do carry epipens and will
administer it although they do prefer to use your epipen first. One
major step forward!!!!
Hazel Green