According to the CDC, food allergies are a public health concern. It’s said 8% of children and 6% of adults in the US have a food allergy. For every one in 3000 hospital patients, that one is said to be there because of an anaphylactic reaction. Thankfully, death from an anaphylactic reaction is rare, with one in one million people dying.
When you have food allergies, dining out can be a major cause of anxiety, especially if the allergy is life threatening. With the uncertainty of hidden ingredients, cross-contamination or a lack of communication, many allergy sufferers turn to the latest technology to help keep them safe. In this article, we’ll cover the top technology innovations which are shaping the way people with food allergies dine out.
1. Allergen-Tracking Apps
Allergen tracking apps are a big breakthrough for people who suffer from severe allergies. These apps are designed to help users find restaurants which cater for specific dietary requirements.
These apps also display user generated ratings and reviews. This helps a user gain feedback from others who have food allergies on whether a restaurant was able to handle and cater to similar needs. Some of these apps also have the ability to scan a barcode and identify if the food has a potential allergen which could cause a problem.
2. Food Allergy Card Apps
There are food allergy apps which allow you to create downloadable allergy warnings which you can print or show on your phone when dining out. The cards can be made in different languages or have the information translated on the phone, making it ideal if you’re traveling abroad. It also helps you to communicate more efficiently with restaurants to reduce the risk of hidden allergens being added in meals.
This food allergy app, or similar ones, allow you to choose the type of allergy card you want, or create a mixed allergen card. You can also gain access to other types of warnings including wristbands, stickers, and travel cards. Traveling with a food allergy can be hard, but with food allergy cards you have the ability to be confident when dining out while minimizing the risk of contamination.
3. Digital Menus with Allergen Information
Digital menus are becoming popular in many restaurants. These menus are usually accessed by a QR code which details all allergen information for each dish. This revolution allows customers to make an informed decision on their choice of food without relying on the waiters to be knowledgeable of all ingredients in a meal. The information on these menus are generally updated in real-time so you know the information is always current and up to date.
4. Robotic Kitchens
Robotic kitchens are still in their early stages but with the advancements in technology, those who are developing these kitchens are designing them not only for the general public but for those with food allergies.
Since they’re fully automated, these kitchens can be programmed to handle strict allergy related protocols. This eliminates human error and makes these kitchens a safer option for those with food allergies.
While they’re a good idea, these kitchens are only found in a few places around the world, but as the years go on, you may find more and more of these kitchens popping up around the globe.
Endnote
Dining out with food allergies doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Thanks to new technology advancements, it’s creating a safer environment for those who want to have a normal dining experience while being careful about what they eat. Make sure you do your research before you use any app so you know it’s the right one for your specific needs.
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