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Shellfish Allergy in Rome, Naples

Posted by Marie (New York, New York, USA) on 08/04/09 10:11 PM

Does anyone have experiences to share about food allergies in foreign countries?

I know that I can get free emergency medical care and the number to dial for an ambulance is 118.. and of course, I'll be carrying benedryl with me at all times ;)

The allergy is severe, but I won't let it stop me from going. If I have food that was cooked in the same pan as shellfish or that came in contact with shellfish, I get sick... so I'm worried being in a Mediterranean country where I don't really speak the language... but there's no way I'm going to sit in my hotel room eating Saltines... I want to explore the food!!! any advice??

Posted by Michelle

Vicenza, Italy

08/04/09 11:13 PM

319 posts

Can you get a card that is translated in both English and Italian explaining your condition. You could give it to the waiter when you are at a restraunt and he could pass the info on to the cook. Seems that Pizza would be a good bet.

Posted by Michael

Seattle, WA, USA

08/05/09 10:58 AM

7737 posts

Be sure to take plenty of Benadryl since it's not available for purchase in Italy. I learned that the hard way and had to have a coworker FedEx me a bunch while we were there.

Posted by Karen

Boston, MA, USA

08/05/09 11:36 AM

29 posts

I have been to Rome with my husband who is allergic to shellfish and several other foods. We did have the translation cards as well as the cards with the universal symbols, which waitors did appear to take seriously. We ordered cards from Select Wisely and were happy with them, but you could also make them yourself. I also recommend becoming familiar with the names of several different types of shellfish before you go, as well as some things that you can eat. Bring a good phrasebook with you to translate menus. Use the cards too to be extra careful, and carry plenty of benadryl. I don't know how severe your allergy is, but you may want to look into getting a prescription for an Epipen and taking that with you as well just in case. We did.

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