FOOD ALLERGIES: A GUIDE TO ITALIAN TRAVEL

When you’re allergic to cats, it’s pretty simple to not go and pet one but food allergies are a bit more complicated. They are one of the most daunting travel complications but luckily, it’s easily avoidable with a few words or the right question. Obviously you’re going to Italy mainly to eat the delicious dishes so we suggest learning how to tell your waiter of your allergy in order to avoid ruining the best part of the vacation! He/she might not be aware of exactly what is in your meal so air on the side of caution so he can check with chef.

Writing your allergy down in Italian and English on paper or saving it in your phone is a great idea to avoid any miscommunication. You can never be too careful with food allergies.

ITALIAN FOOD ALLERGY  VOCABULARY

I am allergic… = Sono allergico…
to gluten = al glutine
to lactose = al lattosio
to soy = alla soia
to mussels = alle cozze
to prawns / shrimp = ai gamberi / gamberetti
to eggs = alle uova
to seafood = ai frutti di mare
to clams = alle vongole
to shellfish = ai crostacei
to nuts / walnuts = alle noci
to peanuts = alle arachidi
to hazelnuts = alle nocciole
to almonds = alle mandorle

If you can, check with a native speaker (maybe your hotel staff) to be sure that your sentence is written correctly and ask for the proper pronunciation. Depending on what you are speaking about, the form of “to” changes. If you don’t get this part right while speaking, don’t worry. People will still understand!

.

Of course it’s always good to be prepared for a slip up in the kitchen or cross contamination depending on the severity of your allergy so be sure to always bring your EpiPen(in italian “autoiniettore di adrenalina”)  or appropriate medicines. Plus, most pharmacists, doctors, and hospital staff know some basic English.