For those living with food allergies, going out to eat can mean guessing which items on the menu might be safe to eat. A new law in Massachusetts, the first of its kind in the US, aims to change this. Now, when you tell your waiter that you're allergic to peanuts, shellfish, dairy, or other foods, he or she will understand the risk better than ever.
The recently passed law requires restauraunts in Massachusetts to include a notice on their menus asking those with food allergies to tell their server. Restaurants must also put up a poster with food allergy information in an area accessible by the staff.
As of last month, at least one of the restaurant's managers must go through an online training course about food allergens. Susanne Condon with the state's Department of Public Health said "It really is to raise awareness." Restaurant manager Michelle Wood says "I feel like this the right thing for restaurants...People aren’t aware when you have a seafood allergy you can’t eat anything that has touched a similar surface as seafood, so it’s really something you have to take seriously.”
Restaurants across MA have been working to comply with the new food allergen rules, and these requirements have been added to the list of things checked by the local health boards during restaurant inspections.
Read more about this new food allergen law: http://www.wickedlocal.com/scituate/news/x1512112279/Restaurants-work-to...
Hi all, We just visited Cape
Hi all,
We just visited Cape Cod (Hyannis) for the first time from Canada. Usually only vackay in Disney for the great allergy awareness. I have to tell you all I love the Allergy aware bylaw which says all restaurants must be certified for allergy awareness, etc… Success at 'news from america martha's vineyard' and loved 'bbc' in hyannis. They did not let my son eat anything fried for the slight chance that things with traces are fried in that oil. I love the ultra awareness of 'traces' that I would have at home. I have to say I was deeply disappointed in McDonalds in Falmouth. They had no idea what was/was not safe! They said 'mcnuggets were probably a safe bet'. I'm sorry, I don't like to 'bet' with my sons life (neither does he). Shame on you McDonalds Falmouth for not being aware, especially with your great bylaw! In Canada, I know what he can/cannot eat, but wasn't sure in the States, but these people were the most unsatisfactory, and uncaring of the lot! BBC was very concerned and aware, Cookes (although wasn't best food) was great at knowing what was okay for my son, but McDonalds …Shame, shame, shame. Never again will we take any chances!