Although I don’t have any food allergies, I do have quite a few food intolerances. In regards to my food intolerance, these particular foods make me unwell. I make a decision as to whether or not I’m going to consume the food I’m intolerant to. Sometimes I’ve been so careful with what I’ve ate, but other times I do make the decision to eat those foods. It’s my own fault if I do become unwell, I have to face the consequences.
People with food allergies can’t make those decisions. They have to avoid certain food if they have an allergy. I have close friends and family members who do live with food allergies. Things have moved forward in regards to eating out, as staff are usually so helpful when you tell them about which foods you need to avoid and so many places have special dietary sheets. It’s so helpful to be able to see exactly what’s in the food.
A video is currently circulating social media which shows Gregg Wallace ranting about food allergies at Dundee Flower and Food Festival.
In the video, Wallace says “…I would like to have legislation, that if you’ve got an allergy to something, you must give formal 48 hours notice to the restaurant you’re going to. They can then send you the meal they are going to cook for you and you can decide whether you want it or not. Rather than just turn up and expect the whole restaurant to change what they do, because somebody can’t eat something…”
My personal opinion is chefs, especially ones with these kind of opinions, need to be educated in customer service and the severity of food allergies. Anyone I know who has a food allergy contacts a restaurant (if they can) before to make sure they can be catered for, or at least researches the menu online before going.
However, Wallace’s wording and attitude isn’t good at all. It is pretty rude, if I’m honest and comes across as arrogant. Those who have food allergies do have stressful experiences when eating out. It can’t be easy at all. If someone has a food allergy, it really isn’t their fault. It’s not like they chose to be allergic to certain foods.
Allergies are fatal and need to be taken seriously. They can be the difference between life or death for some. Cross contamination is scary for myself with an intolerance, but it must be so much more worrying if you have allergies. Wallace’s attitude is very disappointing, it’s a result of a lack of knowledge and understanding of allergies.
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own.
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My son is allergic to milk protein he can’t talk for himself and check food, i as his mum need to do this to protect him. When i go to some cafe/restaurants and get eyes rolled at me it makes me so cross and upset at the same time, why can’t i ask what is in my sons food without it being such a problem to people surely if it was their children they would do anything to protect them? Frustrated is not the word and 48hrs notice is just ridiculous why should everyone else be able to eat where they want and when they want and someone with allergies plan 2/3 days ahead
Exactly! I think the eye rolling from people is just uncalled for. It’s very rude. You’re his mum, of course you’re going to want to protect your child! I agree, sometimes the food we fancy changes day to day. I completely agree with you. Thank you for commenting 🙂