Flash 'em!
Ok... Let's keep this G-rated....
Want to improve your odds of dining without adverse incident? Hand the food service manager (e.g. Restaurant manager, chef) a flash card listing your anaphylactic allergens. A flash card can be as simple as words typed on a slip of paper, or as elaborate as a laminated card or sheet of paper listing your allergens. You can buy them online, or make them on your own – making your own ensures that the information will be custom-tailored to your particular case.
Size matters. Don't believe anyone who says otherwise... It must have large enough type/font so that the average person who is neither legally blind nor a perfect 20/20 can easily make out all of the words on the sheet. If someone must squint or guess at the items listed on your flash card, then you are effectively engaging in a game of Russian Roulette.
The size of the card matters also. The card should not be so small that it can easily be lost by your server or chef -- but it should also be not so large that it is difficult for your waiter/waitress to carry with your order. I find that 8.5 x 4" is a handy size -- and it doesn't get lost. 5" x 7" works as well. At times, it will come back to you with oil and/or food stains... most cherished proof that the flash card made it into the hands of a chef.
Size matters. Don't believe anyone who says otherwise... It must have large enough type/font so that the average person who is neither legally blind nor a perfect 20/20 can easily make out all of the words on the sheet. If someone must squint or guess at the items listed on your flash card, then you are effectively engaging in a game of Russian Roulette.
The size of the card matters also. The card should not be so small that it can easily be lost by your server or chef -- but it should also be not so large that it is difficult for your waiter/waitress to carry with your order. I find that 8.5 x 4" is a handy size -- and it doesn't get lost. 5" x 7" works as well. At times, it will come back to you with oil and/or food stains... most cherished proof that the flash card made it into the hands of a chef.
Content. Remember the 3 Cs: Clear, Concise, Comprehensive. Use simple, clear sentences to convey your requirements. Assume that your reader could have Attention Deficit Disorder – get the reader’s attention while keeping your message short. Finally, make sure that all of your allergens are listed – it must be comprehensive enough so as to leave no question in the reader’s mind.
The flash card is a tool that should be incorporated into your repertoire and used any time you are thinking of having food pass your lips. Make sure your EpiPen is within easy reach at all times.
Sample Anaphylactic Allergy Flash Card:
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