Travelling with a nut allergy

[Bell21]

I thought I'd check whether the 'brain trust' has any ideas I haven't thought of here.

My son (19) is about to go on his first big international trip, including travel to Bangkok (brief stop-over), Croatia (Hvar/Split/Dubrovnik), Spain (Madrid/Barcelona) and Lisbon.

He has a nut allergy to some nuts (thankfully 'traces' doesn't set him off - he actually has to eat unsuitable nuts).

He will have 2 epipens and is very mindful of what he eats - he'll use Google Translate etc if English isn't the first language - obviously we'll ensure his travel insurance will cover this pre-existing condition. He coped well in Vietnam for 2 weeks earlier this year, which I thought was a good sign.

My main concern is medical support can still be needed, despite all of above - we're going to do some research into 'what to do in an emergency' in each location, but I wondered if there's anything I haven't thought of to 'mitigate the risks', especially in terms of getting quick support.

Thanks very much.

 

[sudoer]

I wondered if there's anything I haven't thought of to 'mitigate the risks', especially in terms of getting quick support.

Stay in reputable hotels with 24/7 reception. No hostels or Airbnbs.

 

[Bell21]

Stay in reputable hotels with 24/7 reception. No hostels or Airbnbs.

That's actually quite an interesting reply Sudoer --- thank you - since he's booked the accommodation himself and is trying to keep costs to what a 19 year old can afford, he's staying mainly in hostels --- that's a thought provoking idea, albeit not without complexity.

 

[VPS]

I print out these cards and laminate them in the languages I will be visiting

Translated chef cards & phrases for travelling - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia chef cards are available in 21 languages to help you eat out when travelling overseas.

allergyfacts.org.au

Good luck - anaphylactic allergies are a right PITA

 

[offshore171]

I think they make a dogtag or similar to wear around the neck to advise his condition to medical personnel in an emergency. Is that wiorthwhile when travelling abroad?

Thailand is potentially risky. Nuts in a lot of foods. If he’s just on a short layover, maybe a known quantity like Maccas might be the safest. Then again he made it through Vietnam unscathed.

Once in the EU though, things change a lot.

The EU has super strict allergen labelling laws that apply to food service.

Usually near the bottom of the menu for the allergen information. Usually in the local language plus English.

EU Food Labelling Laws:

• 14 Allergens:
  The EU FIC lists 14 allergens that must be clearly indicated if present in food. These include nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, etc.), as well as other allergens like peanuts, gluten, milk, soy, fish, and shellfish.
  
  
• Allergen Labelling:
  Allergen information must be easily accessible and clearly presented. For pre-packed food, allergens are usually highlighted in the ingredient list (e.g., in bold or with a different color).
  
  
• Restaurant and Cafe Obligations:
  Restaurants and other food service businesses must provide allergen information for non-prepacked food, which can be communicated through menus, labels, or other documentation. Customers can request information on allergens, and businesses must provide it.
  
  

 

[BenP]

Being lucky enough to not have to deal with any life threatening allergies, I would have an if/then plan in place in case he does use his two pens before he gets home. Basically before he goes he has the plan in his head already so he doesn't have that extra stress of what to do next.

 

[Seat0B]

Will he have a travelling companion? It's also helpful if they know what to do in an emergency and can help explain things if your son is not able to do so himself.

 

[Bell21]

Will he have a travelling companion? It's also helpful if they know what to do in an emergency and can help explain things if your son is not able to do so himself.

Yes he will - thanks - his 19 year old mate, but he has a good head on his shoulders

 

[Bell21]

I print out these cards and laminate them in the languages I will be visiting

Translated chef cards & phrases for travelling - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia chef cards are available in 21 languages to help you eat out when travelling overseas.

allergyfacts.org.au

Good luck - anaphylactic allergies are a right PITA

Yes, definitely a PITA, although he has generally navigated 'ok' - not being allergic to 'traces' is v good, as that would make things much harder --- btw, amazing - can't believe I haven't seen that link before - thanks v much for doing that!

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 5:57 PM

I think they make a dogtag or similar to wear around the neck to advise his condition to medical personnel in an emergency. Is that wiorthwhile when travelling abroad?

Thailand is potentially risky. Nuts in a lot of foods. If he’s just on a short layover, maybe a known quantity like Maccas might be the safest. Then again he made it through Vietnam unscathed.

Once in the EU though, things change a lot.

The EU has super strict allergen labelling laws that apply to food service.

Usually near the bottom of the menu for the allergen information. Usually in the local language plus English.

EU Food Labelling Laws:

• 14 Allergens:
  The EU FIC lists 14 allergens that must be clearly indicated if present in food. These include nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, etc.), as well as other allergens like peanuts, gluten, milk, soy, fish, and shellfish.
  
  
• Allergen Labelling:
  Allergen information must be easily accessible and clearly presented. For pre-packed food, allergens are usually highlighted in the ingredient list (e.g., in bold or with a different color).
  
  
• Restaurant and Cafe Obligations:
  Restaurants and other food service businesses must provide allergen information for non-prepacked food, which can be communicated through menus, labels, or other documentation. Customers can request information on allergens, and businesses must provide it.
  

thanks - agree re Thailand - they're staying in a Marriott near the airport with a shopping centre nearby, so should be relatively ok. Thanks for the heads-up re Europe - very helpful.

 

[Bell21]

Hmmm - this is why I love AFF (and make sure I contribute as well), as this has been an incredibly thoughtful sets of suggestions - hugs to all.

 

[VPS]

Yes, definitely a PITA, although he has generally navigated 'ok' - not being allergic to 'traces' is v good, as that would make things much harder --- btw, amazing - can't believe I haven't seen that link before - thanks v much for doing that!

Post automatically merged: Yesterday at 5:57 PM

my allergy specialist gave me the link - I'm surprised his specialist hasn't told him