According to a recent CBC report, a Quebec man with a fish allergy suffered a severe reaction after being mistakenly served his allergen at a restaurant. Simon-Pierre Canuel, a Gatineau resident, filed a formal complaint alleging that he had told the waiter about his severe allergy and that the information was not communicated to the kitchen. Police arrested the waiter, who could be charged with criminal negligence, on August 3rd.
Since the story came out, Food Allergy Canada has been speaking with the media to raise awareness of the need for allergy training for food service and restaurants.
We are very sorry to learn about Mr. Canuel’s severe reaction. Dining out is a part of normal social life that everyone is entitled to. With the right education and training, more restaurants can prevent food allergy reactions and make it a better experience for everyone.
Restaurant training needed
The best way to prevent reactions from happening in restaurants is through educating staff about food allergies through training – just as restaurants already do to ensure the safe and proper handling of food from a hygiene perspective.
Food Allergy Canada offers training and resources to the food service industry on food allergies and food preparation. We also support regulations around universal required training in foodservice establishments, ingredient and allergen warnings.
What you can do
Stories like Mr. Canuel’s can be upsetting, especially if you have food allergies or a loved one with food allergies. Take a moment to review your precautionary steps for dining out as well as what to do in an emergency. For more information on staying safe, visit our Dining Out webpage. If you are a parent or caregiver, we hope you will visit our Newly Diagnosed Support Centre as well.
This is also a good time to talk with and educate those closest to you. These conversations are the ripples that bring about broader change for the entire community!
Support Food Allergy Canada
Help us to educate and advocate for safe dining for people with food allergies. Donate today. With your support, we are able to increase awareness and education to support people with food allergies across Canada. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Resources
- Training for restaurants, food service and manufacturers
- Tips for Dining Out
- The 5 Emergency Steps
- The Newly Diagnosed Support Centre