My daughter has multiple severe food allergies. We are travelling to Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Netherlands this summer and very much looking forward to it. I am curious to hear from others who have managed food allergies or intolerances in Europe. Specifically, we would like to travel with some safe foods from home to ease things. Proteins are the most challenging. At home we bring things like mini canned tuna, meat jerky's, and individual salami that is shelf stable. Based on what I am reading, this is not an option to bring to Europe. Does anyone have ideas (nut butters and cheeses are not safe for her)? Also, what about packaged and sealed fruits and vegetables (like olives in mini packages and dried fruits)? We have talked to friends from each of the countries and they are helping us translate a card to share with restaurants. All have assured us it will not be an issue for her, but it is a huge issue in the US, so I am not sure how it would not be there. I am trying to be more prepared. Any ideas are welcome.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I'm not sure if this practice has yet spread to the rest of Europe, but at least in Austria, the restaurant menus have symbols that identify if a particular item may cause trouble.
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
Good luck with your planning. I recommend a photo array to go with the cards your friends are preparing. Photos of okay foods or ones to avoid with the X symbol over them may help in case of language barrier.
Posted by
San Antonio
8 posts
We have travelled to Italy and Ireland with no trouble. My allergies are onions and garlic. Very difficult in the US. But I only had trouble at the Vatican museum. It seems that European restaurants cook from scratch. In Italy, I carried a translated card. And the chef often came out to discuss. All the Irish menus have allergy notices and the restaurants were very accommodating. I hope this helps.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2684 posts
I'm guessing your child has the anaphylactic type of food allergies which requires vigilance far greater than a food intolerance. I travel with a food allergy and it's workable with a little planning. Here's my basic thoughts. Grocery stores are your best resource. I usually rent an apartment and cook a lot of my own food. Restaurants are inevitable at some point, though, and just be prepared for some ordering failures, where you just can't figure out what's really in the food and so you skip it. I always have few of those.
I do take an allergy card. I don't like the pre-printed ones - I worry that someone will just think I am a fussy eater (I am, but that's another story:) My cards say "I am allergic to corn. If I eat it I will have to go to the hospital". You could even put something more specific if your daughter is really really sensitive. I myself have never had a completely closed airway - only a partially closed one - and so I figure my card is severe sounding enough.
Do bring a few Epi-pens. I've never had to use one but I don't want to be looking around for a replacement if I do. Also, carry your own Benadryl and lots of it. I use it all the time when I travel. I don't know about availability in the countries you list but it's totally unavailable in Italy and I nearly ran out on a trip there and I was uncomfortable and wished I had more.
I also take a Zyrtec every day. It gives me a little wiggle room in case there's a trace amount of corn in something. I don't know how severe your daughter's allergy is or if this is helpful for her.
I think you'll have a great trip - this is totally doable. But be vigilant and spend some time in grocery stores - they're your best friend. With my phone handy, I check ingredient lists in all kinds of languages (well it didn't work in China!!) and I've never gone hungry and I've never had an incident while traveling:)
Posted by
Edinburgh
2684 posts
In the EU all food providers must by law produce a list of possible allergens in their food.On menus you should se a list of allergens or see them clearly marked on the menu.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
You can buy things there. Research grocery stores near where you will be staying and stock up.
You can bring food, but not meat. So you could bring dried fruits and that kind of thing. Protein powder. Crackers. Bars. Whatever packaged goods are safe. You can also bring fish so tuna in pouches or cans is ok (but if it's in your carry on it can't be in liquid)
http://www.douane.gouv.fr/Portals/0/fichiers/information/publication-douane/langues-etrangeres/banned-and-authorised-foodstuffs-entering-eu.pdf
Finally, I would stay in hotels with kitchens or apartments - it's just easier to have access to a fridge to store things and the ability to cook if necessary.