Hospitality should do more to help allergy sufferers, charity says
Last Updated:
Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:08:54 GMT
The hospitality industry needs to bring in new guidelines on diners' allergies or improve its training, the charity Allergy UK has said.
The call comes as part of Food Allergy & Intolerance Week, which aims to raise awareness of the social repercussions of food allergies and intolerances.
Someone with a food allergy or intolerance can find an activity like eating out a problematic experience, one which the general population takes for granted, Allergy UK says.
Research conducted by the charity found more than three quarters, 77 per cent, of those with a food allergy or intolerance changed their attitude to eating out as a result of their condition and find it much more difficult now.
And nearly a quarter of UK adults (24 per cent) view those with an allergy or intolerance as 'fussy' or feel that they use their condition is an excuse not to eat something.
Speaking to Big Hospitality, Allergy UK chief executive Lindsey McManus said: "Unfortunately there is currently no legislation for restaurants, or the hospitality industry in general when it comes to listing allergens on menus.
"It is down to the individual outlet as to whether they choose to take a proactive role in providing this information for allergy sufferers."
The charity said restaurants need to take their customers' dietary requests seriously and allow guests to speak to the kitchen staff beforehand for reassurance.
Food Allergy & Intolerance Week runs until January 29th.
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