Food Allergies

Food allergies are an obstacle that many children face today. When I was ten years old I found out that I was allergic to peanuts. Having to adjust to this food allergy is life changing for a ten year old. Going out to restaurants is always a challenge, because you always have to ask if there is any trace of peanuts in the meal that you are ordering. You always have to trust someone that you do not know to prepare your food in a way that you wouldn't have a reaction. A few weeks ago I had an allergic reaction due to a Dairy Queens employee's inattention to detail. I asked her to clean off mixer so there wouldn't be any trace of peanuts in banana milkshake. Due to her laziness, she did not clean the machine properly and there were traces of peanuts inside my shake. I had an allergic reaction and had to immediately had to take a Benadryl to control the reaction.   I think that restaurants should be more accommodating to children with these types of allergies.  It is hard enough to be a ten year old and have to ask questions like, "Will there be any traces of peanuts in my meal?"   Families are also affected by a child's allergic reaction because of the inconvenience of leaving before they are even finished with their meal.  If the restaurant would have alternatives for children with peanut or other food allergies, this inconvenience could be eliminated. Restaurants should understand that these allergies are potentially life threatening and should do what they can to make sure the proper procedures are being followed.