🍽️ Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions SOP

TL;DR: Always use a printed Allergy Card in Chinese. Prefer 清炒 / 清蒸 dishes. For anaphylaxis, use your EpiPen, call 120, and route to a major hospital (in Shanghai: Jiahui / United Family when possible).

Prerequisites:

• Printed Allergy Card: Laminated, postcard-size, your allergens in Chinese characters (carry several copies).
• EpiPen / Antihistamine: In carry-on, not checked bags.
• Translation app: Google Translate camera mode or Pleco offline packs.

📋 The Runbook

1. Pre-order (use the card first)

• Hand the Allergy Card to the server before they take the order.
• Point to allergens and say: 我对这些过敏 (Wǒ duì zhèxiē guòmǐn).
• Prefer dishes labeled 清炒 (clear stir-fry) or 清蒸 (steamed).
• Verification: Ask 这里面都没有这些吗？ (Zhè lǐmiàn dōu méiyǒu zhèxiē ma?) and wait for a clear yes.

2. Backup if the card is ignored

1. Translation app: Type the restriction, show the Chinese text, ask them to read it back.
2. Simple phrases (also useful for quick meals):

3. Sauce and oil (hidden allergens)

• Peanut oil (花生油) and oyster sauce (蚝油) are common hidden risks.
• Request corn oil (玉米油) or sunflower oil (葵花籽油) when possible.
• For severe allergies: 不要酱 (bùyào jiàng — no sauce) and ask for a clean pan/wok.

4. Before the first bite

• Visual check for nuts/seeds
• Shellfish smell check if relevant
• If unsure, do not eat — fall back to trusted chains or hotel food

5. Safer restaurant choices

| Type | Why | Notes | |——|—–|——-| | Vegetarian Buddhist | Plant-based default | Still confirm no fish sauce | | Japanese | Ingredient culture | Plain grilled options | | Steakhouse / Western | Simpler build | English menus common | | International hotel | Staff training | Can customize | | Avoid: street stalls, buffets, shared-oil family kitchens | No control | High cross-contamination |

6. Grocery shopping

1. City Super / Ole’ / premium malls — English labels, familiar brands (premium price).
2. Carrefour / Auchan — check labels carefully.
3. JD / Freshippo delivery — order to hotel; read ingredient text.
4. Carry backup snacks: nut-free bars, plain crackers, shelf-stable milk alternative (verify labels).

🚨 Fallback (Plan B)

Mild reaction (hives / itch)

1. Stop eating · water · your antihistamine · monitor 30 minutes.
2. If worsening → treat as severe.

Severe reaction (swelling / breathing)

1. EpiPen if prescribed · call 120.
2. Shout: 救命！过敏了！ (Jiùmìng! Guòmǐn le!).
3. Show the Chinese allergy card at hospital triage.
4. Prefer major ER / international-friendly hospitals when reachable (Shanghai: Jiahui, United Family).

💡 TechDad’s Tips

• Laminate 5–10 allergy cards; hand one out every meal.
• For severe cases, ask to speak to the chef, not only the server.
• Malls (e.g. Xintiandi, Jing’an Kerry) staff handle dietary requests better.
• Screenshot menus of known-safe dishes for the next visit.
• Keep emergency meds on your person, not in a checked stroller bag.
• MSG discomfort ≠ life-threatening allergy — keep the card focused on critical allergens.

FAQ

Q: Is street food safe with allergies? A: Generally no. Ingredient control and communication are poor.

Q: Can I trust “allergy-free” menu labels? A: Not fully — confirm with kitchen; oil cross-contamination is common.

Q: Can I bring my own food for a child? A: Usually yes; some places charge a small plate fee (~¥5–10).

Q: Apps for allergens in Chinese dishes? A: No single restaurant allergy app is reliable. Use your card + Translate camera + Pleco. For packaged food, barcode apps (e.g. Yuka where available) help.

Contacts & resources

• Ambulance: 120 (nationwide)
• Related: Pharmacy & Medications · Hospital Access · Vegetarian / Vegan

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