Food Allergies and Professionalism
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Anonymous
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I am the head of a small DC non-profit and about a year ago I was diagnosed with 2 (adult onset) food allergies. I was just invited to a high-level, invitation only dinner and it asked for allergy and meal preferences. I answered by feel embarrassed that I have to ask for special meals. I worry it will keep me from getting invited to things like this or might inhibit my professional growth.
This is new for me. How do you handle in professional settings, like at a work dinner or big gala type thing? In the past year, I"ve accidentally exposed myself to allergens many times at work-related lunches and dinners. Not good. |
Anonymous
| I'm a meeting planner, head of a small non-profit and food allergy mom. Simply request a special meal ahead of time. Most venues easily accommodate dietary requests. 7 days notice is usually enough. It's really not a big deal. |
Anonymous
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Don't let this knock your self-confidence. Request the allergy-free dinner plate and move on. If anyone draws attention to it, acknowledge the fact and change the conversation. Don't get into details and don't show that this is a problem in any way. If you suspect that the food they serve you is a problem, just push your food around and don't eat. This is more difficult at a small dinner party. At a big gala, no one will really notice.
You'll get used to it. Best wishes to you for a successful dinner. - fellow food allergy person |
Anonymous
| Carry an epi |
Anonymous
| I have food allergies, and frankly, always appreciate when someone asks about them, and follows up to inquire about specifics to accommodate. I wouldn't be embarrassed. I've worked in meeting planning - SO many people have food allergies, gluten, casein, issues, you would not believe it. Planners don't think twice about it - unless you are super high maintenance about it. And then they just think "man, she's high maintenance." |
Anonymous
| If they asked for food allergies, why are you worried about disclosing them? That demonstrates their willingness to accommodate whatever. |
Anonymous
| It's no big deal. Unless you wait until the night of to disclose because by then it is too late! Please email them back early so they can make sure to accommodate you. |
Anonymous
I don't think this does what you think it does. |
Anonymous
PS I am not the OP, but Epi pens don't work for celiac and a host of other issues. And they don't stop hives. |
Anonymous
| I just go and pretend to eat. If you read how much everyone hates food allergy/intolerant people, you would never tell a soul. The other forums on this site have made me realize how much loathing people have and I pretty much don't eat when I go places because it is too much to request appropriate food. I also fear it will affect my career if my bosses hold these opinions too. |
Anonymous
| You wouldn't apologize or be embarrassed because you had asthma, would you? It's the same thing. NOBODY worth their salt would think twice about it. Anyone who does can kick rocks. |
Anonymous
It's really not that big of a deal. |
Anonymous
| Just ask for the special meal. My DH has celiac, it leads to immediate onset explosive diarrhea if contaminated. He makes clear that either they accommodate or no business dinner/lunch. It's not been an issue. |
Anonymous
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OP here:
So glad that you all get that epi doesn't help. I have EOE and can't swallow when I have an allergic reaction. So horrible. Thanks especially meeting planning people. Re; not eating. Thing is, I can almost always drink; thank God.  (and that's a different professionalism thread isn't it?)
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