Chinese restaurant allergy awareness

[Chip_y2kuk]

Talk to me about allergy awareness in restaurants.... twice now I've been in Chinese restaurants (in different parts, one in Wales one in warrington) and both times they have asked about allergies and both times they have .... basically said we have no idea and can't help you... the first one actually said " we can't serve you because we can't guarantee there will not be any barley in the food" and the second time the guy actually said " we can't help you with that sir"

Is this a common thing? Is it the restaurant type? Are some better than others?

I've been in complete denial about having a food allergy for years and "passively avoided stuff" but I've had to start "actively avoiding it" ... and I find the whole experience quite shocking

[strongmouse]

I have multiple allergies. They brought in some new laws concerning food freshly prepared especially relating to 12 main allergens. Many staff have undertaken training and many restaurants have a list of recipes and what they contain especially dairy, peanuts, sesame seeds.

I am usually asked what I am allergic to , but find it better to say tell me what foods contain these products.I carry a list of my main allergies with me . I have never had an anaphylaxis shock, but they can make me feel very ill. Most places are helpful. I don't use Chinese Restaurants as so much of their food I can't eat.

They may be breaking the law. You could report them to the local Council Trading Standards. In the first instance ask to speak to the manager.

It does take quite a bit getting used to it. My husband and son are great at cooking for me on special occasions.

Some are definitely better that other!

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to strongmouse]

Thanks for your reply

The two Chinese restaurants I've been to have been terrible

I've been to big chains and Been given there allergen book ... every food and what allergens it has

However I have been to a small independent pub restaurant and the lady took our order and then went to the kitchen to the head chef before coming back and saying yeah that will be fine .... they where the best of all to be honest

I did report both Chinese restaurants to food.gov that tell you who the local councils food safety team are and allow you to report to the local food standards team.