It is normal to have concerns about eating away from home, but it can be safe and enjoyable with careful planning. It is important to know what risks exist when dining out. Whether you are eating at someone else's home, at school, or at a restaurant, the unsafe handling of food is a major concern because of the risk of cross-contamination.

Here are some recommendations on how to dine out safely:

• Visit the restaurant website (if they have one) and review the menu. Some restaurants provide ingredient lists for standard menu items on their website and at their restaurants.
• Phone the restaurant beforehand and mention your food allergy. Ask if they can make you a safe meal. Speak to the manager or the head chef directly if possible.
• Talk to the people who are preparing food about your allergy. Ask whether they can serve you safely. If not, ask if it's alright to bring your own food.
• Restaurants are not required to list priority allergens for specific meals. Review the menu and look for possible sources of cross-contamination. For example, are fryers used to make French fries also used to cook fish or shellfish?
• If you will be eating with friends, tell them in advance about your food allergy and what to do in an emergency situation.
• Buffet style meals may pose a major risk because of the cross-contamination caused by the sharing of utensils and mixing of food.
• If you are unsure about a food, do without.
• Remember to take your auto-injector with you. No epinephrine auto-injector = don't eat.