If you have a food allergy, or are with someone who does, here are a few things to think about before ordering food.
Eating out with allergies
If you have a food allergy or intolerance, make sure you have all the information you need to make safe food choices
Before you go:
- Check the menu online and call ahead to ask about the business’s allergy policy. Do they offer suitable options, or can they prepare something for you? (They must provide allergen info, but don’t have to make a separate meal.)
- be very clear about your allergy/intolerance and give examples of the foods that make you ill
- if you don’t feel the person you’re speaking to understands your needs, ask for the manager or someone else who can help
- ask how the food is handled and cooked, and whether there’s a chance of cross-contact from cooking equipment or ingredients
- check that the allergen information is accurate - has there been a last-minute recipe change or ingredient substitution?
- be extra careful if the restaurant serves complex dishes, as allergens could be less obvious or hidden
On arrival:
Speak to your server or the manager.
- be clear about your food allergy/intolerance and confirm your previous conversation with the staff
- check the meal choices are suitable for you or that they can make changes to suit your dietary needs
- remind them to be careful of cross-contact or added allergens from glazes, sauces or cooking oils, and to handle your meal with care
Important: Do not eat at the restaurant if you have any doubt about staff understanding your dietary needs.
Ordering a takeaway over the phone or online
Takeaway businesses must give you allergy information when you order and when your food is delivered.
Follow the same steps as if you’re eating at a restaurant, café or food outlet, but also:
- check that the allergen information is available on the menu, online or over the telephone
- if you're ordering for a group, ask the restaurant to label your meal so you know which one is safe for you
Travelling
Ordering food in another country can be trickier due to different languages, labels, and unfamiliar dishes, but the same safety steps still apply.
Allergy Action have some translations of useful phrases you can download to help you ask questions when eating out abroad.
Got questions or concerns about the labelling or availability of allergen information?
Receive free allergy text alerts to your phone. Subscribe
Latest news and alerts
Get all the latest news and alerts from Food Standards Scotland | Subscribe
Alert
HECK recalls Minted Lamb Burgers because of undeclared milk
Alert
Update 1: MOMA Foods recalls various porridge pots and sachets because of possible mouse contamination
MOMA Foods is recalling various porridge pots and sachets products because of possible mouse contamination at the manufacturing site. This update extends the recall to all products with a best before date between 24/04/2026 and 12/03/2027.
News
Food Standards Scotland launches consultation on first CBD novel food applications
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has today launched a 12-week public consultation on the first three applications seeking authorisation for cannabidiol (CBD) products as novel foods in Scotland.
News
FSS supports the “Bang in Some Beans” campaign
We’re pleased to support The Food Foundation’s Bang in Some Beans campaign which aims to double UK bean consumption by 2028. Whether it's baked beans, lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans, these little powerhouses are packed with goodness. They’re planet-friendly too, so go ahead and bang in some beans!