May 12, 2025—Summer is meant to be a carefree time. Traveling to new places, going to an outdoor festival, having picnics at the park—it all sounds fun, right?
But if you have food allergies, an event that's intended to be fun can be stressful—and even dangerous.
Cross-contact, when a food that contains allergens mixes with allergen-free "safe" food, can happen easily, says Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). And even a tiny amount of allergen in your food can cause an allergic reaction.
These safe-food strategies can help you enjoy your summer plans safely, wherever the season takes you.
At picnics and cookouts
Communication is key. Tell the host about your food allergies or sensitivities. Don't be shy about asking what ingredients the dishes contain.
It's a good idea to have dishes clearly labeled. For example, a serving dish might be marked gluten-free. Or a label might warn that a dish contains specific allergens, such as peanuts or milk.
Play it safe: Keep these foods separate and covered.
Make sure there are plenty of utensils on hand to avoid what FARE calls indirect cross-contact. That's when utensils that have been used to handle foods with allergens or gluten are used for safe foods too.
Play it safe: Color-code the safe utensils.
At festivals
Festivals and fairs often have a tempting variety of food trucks on-site. But you can't always be sure the food is safe for you to eat.
Gluten Intolerance Group suggests that you research before the event to learn about the food options that will be available. Many food trucks will specify which foods are gluten- or nut-free, for example. You might be able to contact the staff ahead of time with your questions.
Play it safe: When you order, choose a simple dish with few ingredients. And pack plenty of safe snacks to bring with you.
When traveling
As you're planning your vacation, book lodging that offers a kitchen so you can safely prepare the foods you love.
Play it safe: It's helpful to find a place located close to a grocery store—as well as a hospital, in case of an emergency.
If you carry medication such as epinephrine for a severe food allergy, pack a backup supply in your carry-on luggage, along with your emergency care plan.
Play it safe: If you're flying, tell the flight attendants about your food allergy.
Concerned about dining out with food allergies?
Some food-allergy challenges last year-round. Learn how to eat safely in restaurants.
Sources
- Food Allergy Research & Education. "Avoiding Cross-Contact." https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/avoiding-cross-contact.
- Food Allergy Research & Education. "Summer Fun Without Fear: Your Guide to Navigating Food Allergies in the Summertime." https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/summer-fun-without-fear-your-guide-navigating-food-allergies-summertime.
- Food Allergy Research & Education. "Top 10 Food Allergy Travel Tips." https://www.foodallergy.org/fare-blog/top-ten-food-allergy-travel-tips.
- Food Allergy Research & Education. "Traveling as a Teen." https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/traveling-teen.
- Gluten Intolerance Group. "Food Truck, Festivals, and Gluten-Free Food Fun." https://gluten.org/2022/07/28/food-truck-festivals-and-gluten-free-food-fun.