When my daughter was only eight months old, we discovered she had a soy allergy. Since she was still nursing, it meant that not only did we need to eliminate soy from her diet, but also from my wife’s. Initially, we thought it would be simple: avoid soy sauce and Chinese food. We quickly realized, however, that our understanding was quite limited.
In a world dominated by mass-produced food, soy is surprisingly prevalent. It often lurks in unexpected places, and once you start looking for it, you begin to question the sheer volume of foods that contain this ingredient. It’s like realizing James Franco is in almost every movie—once you know, you can’t unsee it.
Food allergies are acknowledged in varying degrees across the dining landscape. Those with gluten sensitivities often seem to have it easier, with many eateries offering gluten-free options and stores stocked with tasty substitutes. Peanuts also tend to receive significant attention, with clear labeling in place. But for soy allergies, the awareness is much less pronounced.
1. Restaurant Knowledge Gaps
When we arrive at a restaurant, our first step is to speak with the manager or chef about safe options. The server might ask what we need to avoid, and when we mention soy, confusion often ensues.
“Oh, um, I’m not sure,” they might reply. “We do have gluten-free bread.”
While gluten-free options are nice, they don’t help with our soy concerns. It’s not uncommon for servers to insist that their food is “probably” safe when, in reality, they have no idea. This is a dangerous oversight, especially when it comes to food allergies.
Recently, at a catered event, I asked the head chef about soy in the dishes. He confidently declared that he thought nothing contained it. We ended up throwing away the plate he served us because we couldn’t risk it. This is our reality: we always have backup meals ready to go, which adds a good 20 minutes to our departure time as we prepare sandwiches and snacks that we know are safe.
2. The Labeling Dilemma
We learned the hard way that not all allergens are clearly marked. We had developed a habit of checking the bolded allergen section on packaging, so when we tried a honey mustard that only listed egg and milk as allergens, we assumed it was safe. Moments later, our daughter developed redness around her mouth, and we discovered soybean oil was the primary ingredient, even though it wasn’t highlighted as an allergen.
From that point forward, we scrutinized every single food item, which is manageable at the grocery store but much more difficult in restaurants. Thankfully, some eateries are starting to embrace allergy-friendly practices.
For example, Red Robin has an interactive allergy menu that simplifies the process greatly. You can specify what you need to avoid, and it filters the menu accordingly. However, some places lack any allergen awareness altogether, leading to embarrassing moments where we had to leave without eating.
3. Finding Safe Havens
While many restaurants struggle with allergen management, there are a few that truly excel. Red Robin is one, but The Cheesecake Factory goes above and beyond. Their staff will even read through ingredient lists if you ask. On our last visit, the server returned after a lengthy search to inform us that all their cheesecakes contained soy, after checking every single one. It’s a commendable effort that stands out in a sea of indifference.
For us, dining out often means sticking to a rotation of safe places like Five Guys, Chipotle, and Red Lobster. It may get repetitive, but knowing we can eat safely is what matters most.
4. What More Can Be Done
It shouldn’t be overly complicated for restaurants to cater to individuals with food allergies. While not every establishment needs an interactive menu, it’s crucial for managers and staff to understand their offerings. Making ingredient lists readily available would empower patrons to make informed choices without servers having to brave the cold to check labels.
My daughter’s soy allergy is not life-threatening, but for many, the stakes are much higher. Everyone deserves to know what’s in their food. Finding restaurants that provide this transparency shouldn’t be so challenging.
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Summary
Dining out with food allergies can be a complex challenge. While some restaurants are beginning to recognize and accommodate various allergens, many still lack the necessary knowledge and resources. Families dealing with food allergies often resort to strict routines, preparing safe meals ahead of time to avoid potential hazards. Awareness and understanding in the foodservice industry are essential for ensuring that everyone can enjoy dining out safely.