Allergy Safe Ordering: What to Ask Before You Eat

Most venues take allergen management seriously, but clear communication is essential. The more information you share, and the more confident the responses you receive, the safer your dining experience is likely to be. 

Use this simple allergy safe ordering checklist next time you eat out. 

Tell Staff About Your Allergy Early 

One of the biggest mistakes diners make is waiting until they’re ready to order before mentioning an allergy. 

Instead: 

• Tell staff as soon as you’re seated 

• Explain your allergy clearly 

• Mention all allergies, even if they seem minor 

• Avoid assuming information has already been passed on 

Giving staff early notice allows them more time to support you. 

Ask to See Allergen Information 

Food businesses must be able to provide information on the 14 major allergens where they are used as ingredients, but it is still important to ask questions and make sure the information relates to your specific order 

Consider asking: 

• Do you have an allergen menu? 

• Is there detailed allergen information available? 

• Can you help me identify suitable options? 

Clear information helps you make informed choices and avoid unnecessary risks.  

Ask How the Allergy Will Be Managed 

It’s important to understand the process behind the order. 

You could ask: 

• How will the kitchen be informed? 

• Are there procedures for allergy orders? 

• Who can I speak to if I have additional questions? 

A confident, knowledgeable response is usually a positive sign. 

Check for Cross Contamination Risks 

Even when a dish doesn’t contain a particular allergen, there may still be a risk of cross contact. 

Helpful questions include: 

• Is this prepared separately? 

• Are shared fryers used? 

• Is there a risk of cross contamination in the kitchen? 

This can be particularly important for severe allergies. 

Pay Attention to How Staff Respond 

The answers matter, but so does the confidence behind them. 

Positive signs include: 

• Staff taking your question seriously 

• Clear and consistent answers 

• Double checking information where needed 

• Explaining processes rather than guessing 

No one should feel uncomfortable asking questions about allergens. If information is unclear, inconsistent or staff seem unsure, do not guess. Ask for the information to be checked, choose a different dish, or consider eating elsewhere if you do not feel confident. 

Ordering Online or for Delivery 

If you are ordering online, through an app, by phone or by delivery, check allergen information before placing your order.  

Before ordering: 

• Check whether allergen information is available on the website, app or menu 

• Contact the venue directly if anything is unclear 

• Ask how allergy orders are passed to the kitchen 

• Check whether any substitutions could affect allergen information.  

When the food arrives or is collected: 

• Check the order before eating 

• Check any labels, receipts or written allergen information provided. 

• Contact the venue before eating if anything looks wrong or unclear 

 Look for the Safe to Trade Logo 

One of the easiest ways to feel reassured when eating out is to look for the Safe to Trade logo. 

Safe to Trade venues are independently checked against the Consumer Standard, including allergen management practices. 

This provides added reassurance that the venue has appropriate processes in place to help keep guests safe. 

Find Trusted Venues Using the Safe to Trade Register 

Planning a meal out? 

Use Safe to Trade directory to help you find venues that have been independently assessed against the Consumer Standard. 

Whether you’re eating close to home or somewhere new, it’s a simple way to shortlist venues with confidence. 

 FAQs 

When should I tell staff about my allergy? 

As early as possible, ideally when you arrive or before ordering. 

What should I ask if I have a severe allergy? 

Ask about ingredients, preparation methods and potential cross contamination risks. 

Should I ask to see allergen information every time? 

Yes. Menus and recipes can change, so it’s always worth checking. 

What are the signs of a well managed allergy process? 

Clear information, knowledgeable staff and a willingness to double check details when needed. 

Why choose a Safe to Trade venue? 

Safe to Trade venues are independently checked, including their approach to allergen management, helping diners make more informed choices.