Food Allergies and Sensitivities When Traveling

Tips for Travelers Allergic to Nuts, Eggs and Other Common Allergens

Jul 3, 2009

Business travelers with food allergies can eat safely by planning ahead, calling the airline and notifying meeting organizers of food allergies before arriving.

An estimated 12 million American have food allergies, which occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks a food protein. When an allergen is swallowed, a release of chemicals in the body, including histamine, results in symptoms of an allergic reaction. An individual's symptoms can include a mild rash, hives, swelling, or itching, or a severe anaphylactic reaction in which trouble breathing, swelling, wheezing, and loss of consciousness can occur.

While avoidance of allergy-causing foods are the only sure way to prevent an allergic reaction, there are precautions that travelers can take to stay safe and decrease the chances of a reaction.

Find Out Airlines Policies on Food Allergies

If business travelers are traveling by air, research the airline's food allergy policies. Does the airline serve peanuts or other nuts as a snack? Find out ahead of time what will be served, if possible. In addition, some airlines will make special accommodations for individuals who have food allergies. For example, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) reports that Southwest will serve a non-peanut snack if requested in advance, and Delta and Northwest will serve a non-peanut snack if requested in advance. However, keep in mind that no airline can control what passengers bring on board.

FAAN reports that the following U.S. airlines do not serve individual packages of peanuts in coach class: Air Canada, Air Tran, American, Continental, Frontier, Jet Blue, Midwest, United, and US Airways.

Skip the Airline Food and Bring a Safe Snack on Board

For those who suffer from serious allergic reactions, consider bringing a safe snack on board and foregoing the airline peanuts or other snacks. To be completely sure of the ingredients in a food, read the label. Packaged food manufacturers are required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to list the following eight common food allergens on labels:

If the label is unclear, phone the manufacturer for more information. If there is no label or list of ingredients, don't eat it.

Tell Hosts or Meeting Organizers of Severe Allergies

Another way to avoid an allergic reaction is to notify hosts or meeting organizers of any food allergies; they can then alert kitchen staff or caterers of food allergies and plan for safe meals to be available. In addition, notify wait staff at restaurants of food allergies prior to ordering – in many cases, the kitchen staff will take special precautions to ensure a safe meal is served.

Carry an Epinepherine Pen (EpiPen) in Case of Accidental Allergen Exposure

Individuals who suffer severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, should carry an EpiPen® Auto-Injector at all times. EpiPen, which is prescribed by a doctor, helps to quickly stop allergic reactions by injecting epinephrine into the body. This can provide the life-saving time needed to get further treatment in a medical facility. Carry an EpiPen or two and make sure that they are outside of their expiration dates.

Carry Allergy Cards, Wear a Medical ID Bracelet or Necklace

Allergy cards that explain the particular allergy an individual suffers are available at many online outlets. At restaurants, giving a food allergy restaurant card to a server can help increase the odds that the kitchen staff will be notified – and will remember – a food allergy and will take the proper precautions. Cards are available in different languages for international travel.

Medical ID alert jewelry can be worn by individuals who suffer from food or medication allergies, as well as with chronic health conditions. Medical ID bracelets or necklaces can serve to advise a doctor or other medical professional of an allergy if the individual is not able to speak, such as in anaphylactic shock. The piece of jewelry can contain information on what the allergen is, as well as emergency contact information.

Traveling with food allergies doesn't have to be difficult; take the proper precautions to ensure that food is safe and travel with an epinephrine pen in case of a reaction.

The copyright of the article Food Allergies and Sensitivities When Traveling in Business Travel Tips is owned by Teresa Shaw. Permission to republish Food Allergies and Sensitivities When Traveling in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.