Food allergies are common. They are common enough in so many people that restaurants need to be mandated to provide menu options that those with allergies can consume. 

Several allergies exist that can be easily modified within restaurants. Some of these allergies include dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, gluten and nuts. More often than not, these ingredients are included in every dish. What can society do to implement the importance that the ability to live a regular life is important? 

When people walk into a restaurant, the last thing they expect to hear is that there is not food that accommodates their allergy. Not only is there food that does not accommodate, but it is also quite embarrassing to be told there is almost nothing for you to consume besides a salad without your choice of protein, dressing or croutons — also known as the best part. It is deteriorating to think that mashed potatoes will almost always contain milk, gluten-free buns will almost never be offered, salads or desserts will almost always contain nuts. It is unavoidable and seen as unfixable. 

Of course it is not anybody’s fault that food allergies are a prevalent factor in people. Nevertheless, restaurant owners need to be vigilant about the food that they serve, and how they can make their restaurants more inclusive for those who require it. There is always the thought, “If you have an allergy, why do you go out to eat?” Imagine if you were a person who already could not control the fact that you have to live differently from others, and now you have to exclude yourself from regular activities because others are insensitive. That is not and should never be an option. 

I have a gluten allergy. Gluten is primarily known as an element within breads, pastas, crackers and cakes. However, for those of you who are not aware, it is in everything. Did you know that most toothpastes contain gluten? I won’t ever say that it is easy watching people consume everything that I cannot, but I will say that it is a lot easier when I am somewhere where my allergy is taken into consideration. With that being said, there is more than one issue on the basis of allergy neglect. 

I have been to restaurants with gluten-free options, and I have been to restaurants with none. However, the restaurants with allergen-free options have an irritating and ridiculous factor — it is more expensive. When I go out to eat, I am presented with the options of paying the same amount as others for half of a meal — for example, a burger without a bun — or paying more for something that my body will not react horribly to, such as gluten-free pasta. 

There have been experiences where I have gotten free coupons for a free pizza, and I cannot use it because the gluten-free crust is not listed as an option. Naturally, I called the restaurant and asked if I could pay a fee to get the free pizza while also paying a fee for an “upcharge.” The answer was no even after I specified that it was due to an allergy. Regardless of the fact that I was upset, I moved on. What is there to do when nobody is understanding? A few weeks later, my boyfriend got the same “free pizza coupon.” His personal-pan crust was not listed on the options for the coupon either. However, he asked to pay a fee for a different crust. The answer was yes. Then he bought me a gluten-free pizza and sent it to my house out of frustration toward the company.

Unfortunately, this happens all of the time. This is just one of my many personal experiences, and I am sure everybody with an allergy has experienced this in some capacity at some point. There must be a solution in terms of everybody being able to live a normal life. We should not be making others pay extra for something that they were born with. For example, instead of cafes making customers pay more money for a dairy-free base, they should allow the price to remain the same. I understand that allergen-free items cost more for companies; however, it is an unfair construct to provide the option and continue to make others feel irregular. 

A life where accommodations do not exist is a life that nobody wants to live. Restaurants need to be aware of the fact that their customers deserve an arrangement that keeps their lives as normal as possible. In the coming years, I expect to see changes that will move our society to a better place. 

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