According to the Center for Disease Control in the United States, 90% of food allergies are caused by 8 foods: milk (from a cow), eggs, peanuts, nuts (sometimes referred to as Tree Nuts), fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. Other countries may have a different list of major allergens depending on the cultural diet. In addition to these 8 food groups we also translations for sesame, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Many other foods are available through our special order program.
Just wanted to let you know your food allergy translation cards were great for travelling in Hong Kong and Thailand. With a severe MSG food allergy (plus other food allergies) I wondered about the wisdom of travelling to Asia, but I had two weeks away and not one food problem. The great benefit was being able to tell the waiter to show the chef the food allergy card. Often the waiter would say, "Can do - without" But I would insist they show the chef the card, then the waiter would come back with a different story. They were then very concerned and kept checking that I would only eat from the 'safe' dishes.
- Judy in Sydney, Australia
I have returned from my trip to Bangkok. The strongly worded food allergy cards were amazing. First, I asked the waiter if peanuts or peanut oil were used in their recipes. They usually said no. When I showed the waiters the strongly worded card, they paused, went to check with the cook and/or manager, and usually suggested a particular meal to eat. At most Thai restaurants I stuck with dessert. One restaurant was extremely accommodating, cooking my food from scratch with freshly washed pots and utensils. The SelectWisely cards were a life-saver!
- Michelle in Georgia
Throughout my life, my severe food allergy to nuts have made me fearful to travel, particularly in countries where I don't speak the language. After reading my food allergy cards the waitstaff always went out of their way to make sure that all of my food was cooked and served without any contact with any of the foods that I am allergic to. We were still, of course, cautious when eating--we stayed away from food stalls and buffets, and we were always insistent that the waiter show the food allergy card to the cook. The cards proved to be one of the best purchases I have ever made.
- Marcia in Korea
My daughter did great in China with her food choices. She enjoyed the most freedom she has ever experienced eating out in restaurants. Dairy is used very infrequently in Chinese cooking; however, when needed, the food allergy cards were of great help. The Chinese were very intrigued with the cards. Several people commented that the translations were very accurate and precise! Thank you so much for providing this service; it is well needed and very useful!
- Lois, Atlanta
We wanted to let you know how grateful we were to have my husband's food allergies translated into Spanish and Italian. We used your Italian food allergy cards constantly on our trip, as there were numerous occasion when English was not spoken. They were also a tremendous 'ice-breaker'... in one friendly Italian restaurant, the waiter (after he read all of the allergies) threw up his hands, said 'vino' and brought a bottle of wine saying that's all he could have!
- Cathy in Ottawa, Canada
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