I've just finished reading this article from the Sydney Morning Herald about the problems and issues of dining out when people have food intolerances and allergies.

The article started out with a tragic story of a woman who suffered brain damages after being reassured that the dishes she ordered were free from peanuts. How often have we heard of such mishaps?

Sometimes, it's the public who make it difficult. People who claim they have food allergies when they merely dislike a food item, or perhaps suffer from food intolerances instead make it difficult for people with true food allergies to be taken seriously.

If you have food allergies and will be dining in a poshier resto, try ringing ahead and inform them of your food restrictions. Be clear if it's a food intolerance, or a severe allergy. You might be surprised with the banquet thy might be able to prepare if you just let them know what our specific food problems are.