Allergen Guidance for British Holidaymakers Travelling Abroad

Food Allergies on Holiday

That feeling of excitement before a holiday can quickly get mixed with anxiety when you’re managing a food allergy.

Going abroad means navigating language barriers, mystery ingredients, and the all-inclusive hotel buffet, all of which can make an accidental reaction a very real worry.

So we’ve put a guide together to provide some real, practical tips to help you:

• Get prepared before you even leave home
• Communicate your allergy clearly, wherever you are
• Feel more confident when you’re eating out
• Know your rights if something goes wrong

If your holiday was ruined by an allergic reaction caused by negligence at a hotel or restaurant, you shouldn’t have to simply accept it. You may be entitled to claim compensation, and at Holiday Claims Bureau, our experienced food allergy solicitors offer a free consultation to assess your case and advise you on how much compensation your claim could be worth.

Find out more at: www.holidayclaimsbureau.co.uk

1. Your Food Allergy Holiday Checklist

A little prep goes a long way. Before you travel:

Chat with your doctor

Get your GP or allergy specialist to look over your action plan and make sure your prescriptions are all up to date.

Pack your meds (in your hand luggage!)

Make sure you have at least two adrenaline auto-injectors (like EpiPens), plus antihistamines and any inhalers you use. Double-check those expiry dates and *always* keep them in your luggage.

Get translation cards

Have clear, simple cards that state your allergy and its severity printed out or saved on your phone in the local language.

Double-check your insurance

Does it *really* cover you? Make sure it includes pre-existing conditions, emergency medical treatment abroad, and getting you home if needed.

Do a bit of homework

Check in with your airline and hotel. How do they handle severe allergies? Can they give you ingredient lists? What happens if you can’t eat what’s on the menu?

Remember, if you’ve done your bit and a hotel or restaurant is still negligent, you might have a claim. 

2. Flying with Food Allergies

Navigating the airport and the flight itself can be a challenge. Here’s what to do:

Give the airline a heads-up

Tell them about your allergy when you book, and mention it again at check-in or when you’re boarding. Don’t be afraid to remind them.

Pack your own snacks

Don’t rely on airport food or in-flight meals to be safe. It’s always best to bring  your own trusted snacks, especially for severe allergies.

Wipe everything down

Tray tables, armrests, and even seatbelts can have traces of allergens from previous passengers. A quick wipe-down can give you peace of mind.

Keep your medication close

Your adrenaline auto-injectors should NEVER go in your checked luggage. Make sure your travel companions know where they are and, crucially, how to use them in an emergency.

If an airline or airport food outlet ignores the clear information you’ve given them and you have a reaction, you may have a right to make a claim. There are strict time limits, so it’s important to get advice quickly.

3. Eating at Hotels, Restaurants & Buffets

Food safety standards can be very different from what you’re used to at home. Here’s how to stay in control:

Speak up, and speak early

As soon as you arrive, tell your waiter exactly what you’re allergic to. Don’t feel awkward asking to speak to a manager or the chef – it’s your health on the line. Use your translation cards to make sure nothing gets lost in translation.

If in doubt, leave it out

If the staff seem unsure or can’t confidently tell you what’s in a dish, it’s not worth the risk. Just choose something else.

Be extra careful at the buffet

Buffets are a minefield for cross-contamination, with everyone using the same serving spoons. Labels can be missing or wrong, and allergens often hide in sauces, marinades, and desserts.

Ask every single time

Even if you ate the same thing at the same place yesterday, don’t assume it’s safe today. Recipes change, and chefs switch. A quick question is always worth it.

If you clearly explained your allergy and the staff still served you unsafe food, they’ve failed in their duty to keep you safe. We specialise in helping people claim compensation after allergic reactions on holiday.

4. Watch Out For These Hidden Allergy Dangers Abroad

Sometimes, it’s the ingredients you don’t expect that cause the biggest problems. Keep an eye out for these common hidden risks:

Local specialities

Nuts and seeds are often ground up and used to thicken sauces and dips. Fish or shellfish stock can be a surprise base for soups, rice, and even pasta dishes. Breads, pastries, and even some drinks can contain hidden eggs or dairy.

Street food and markets

As delicious as everything looks, the risk of cross-contamination can be really high. A lot of vendors aren’t very aware of food allergies, and you can’t always trust the labelling. While we can only represent package holidaymakers affected by food allergies in resorts,  it’s definitely something to keep in mind when you’re out exploring.

Free-from isn’t always safe

Just because something is labelled “vegan” doesn’t mean it’s safe for a milk or egg allergy – cross-contamination is a big issue. “Gluten-free” items might still be prepared in a kitchen full of wheat flour.

The golden rule is: never assume, always ask. If your questions or requirements are ignored and you end up suffering a food allergy, you may be able to make a claim against your hotel or tour operator.

5. What To Do If You Have a Reaction

If a reaction starts, try to stay calm and act fast.

Follow your emergency plan immediately.

Use your adrenaline auto-injector if you need to and call the local emergency number straight away.

Tell someone what’s happening

Alert the hotel or restaurant staff and ask them to make a written record of what happened.

Get proper medical help

Go to a local hospital or clinic. Make sure you ask for copies of all your medical notes and keep every receipt.

Gather evidence, if you feel well enough

Take photos of the menu, the food you were served, and any labels. Make a note of the staff members you spoke to and what you discussed. Keep all your booking info and receipts.

Report it to your tour operator

As soon as you can, send a formal report in writing to your travel company.

Your health is the absolute priority, but taking these steps can also be vital if you need to make a food allergy claim for compensation later on.

6. Could You Claim After an Allergic Reaction on Holiday?

Wondering if you’re entitled to compensation? You might have a strong case if this sounds familiar:

• You clearly warned the package hotel, restaurant, or airline about your allergy.
• They failed to take your allergy seriously (e.g., they gave you the wrong information, were careless with cross-contamination, or ignored your warnings).
• As a result, you suffered a reaction that required medical help.
• Your trip was a package holiday (this  makes it more straightforward to claim under UK law).

Compensation isn’t just about the money; it’s about acknowledging what you went through. It can help cover:

• Medical bills, both abroad and back home
• The cost of your ruined holiday
• Any earnings you lost
• The cost of any ongoing care you might need

Think you might have a food allergy claim?

Contact us today to speak directly with one of our highly qualified experienced solicitors. We will assess your circumstances and advise how much compensation you could be entitled to on a No Win No Fee basis.

Call us on 0161 813 2131

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