The idea for this Virginia bill was brought to Delegate Mark Keam in January 2014 by 14-year-old Claire Troy, who has food allergies. We have separate guidance for food manufacturers and institutional caterers. You can use a chef card, which details your food allergies and how to avoid cross-contact in food preparation. Speak up: informing people is your responsibility. An estimated 2.5 million Canadians report having a food allergy. The law also requires the Commissioner of Health to provide materials on food safety and food allergy awareness and safety for the training of restaurant personnel. Staff can complete our free food allergy training. But for people with food allergies, it’s necessary to be prepared, and to know your rights. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and responsibilities around food allergies. When you’re planning to eat out at a restaurant, make it part of your routine to call ahead and warn the restaurant about your allergy. Talk with the restaurant manager ahead of time, and let your waiter or waitress know about your food allergy early on in your dining experience. Food businesses must make sure that staff receive training on allergens. 14 allergens Make your own card or use a template such as this one. Managers can also share our allergen checklist with staff for tips on food allergy best-practice. Your Rights at Restaurants If you’ve warned a restaurant of your allergy (or your friends, or your child’s etc) and that restaurant serves food that causes an allergic reaction, you might be able to sue for negligence.