This blog post is about people with life threatening food allergies and how those allergies affect the people around them. I could be wrong but I seem to be hearing about more different kinds of allergens and more life threatening allergens all the time.
I really don't have a lot to say on this topic. I just came to pose a question. We've already started down a path. That is to say, ever greater responsibility is being placed on restaurants to provide warnings about an ever increasing number of potential allergens and offer non-allergenic alternatives. I believe many schools ban peanut butter altogether. New health legislation is being introduced every day.
My question is simple. Is it fair for someone with a life threatening allergy to expect such accommodations? This is not like the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the case of disabilities, we have collectively agreed that some accommodations should be made. But THIS isn't about where one can work or how someone can get to the bus or train. This is about life or death. Is it really appropriate to dump that responsibility on the local Shoneys or Cracker Barrel staff? Consider this from the food service workers point of view. You know they all swear that oath: First, serve no parm'. But beyond that, are they prepared for a customer to place his life in their hands? Is it even the tiniest bit logical or fair to expect them to be?
I didn't start writing this in an attempt to change your mind. I'm not even sure what I think yet. I only believe we have started down a path that is becoming increasingly difficult on restaurateurs. And I think it is beyond unfair to expect them to accommodate these issues. I think if YOU have a life threatening allergy then its is 100% upon you, no one else, to protect yourself to whatever degree is necessary.
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