You need to look for these common symptoms if you suspect someone is having an allergic reaction:
- Skin: Is there itching, hives, or swelling of the lips or face?
- Gut: Are they experiencing nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea?
- Breathing: Listen for throat tightness, wheezing, coughing, or a hoarse voice.
- Circulation: Watch for dizziness, fainting, or a weak pulse.
If you see any of these signs—especially if they appear suddenly—think anaphylaxis (trouble breathing). This is an emergency.
Here’s what you need to do, fast:
- Stop service to that guest immediately. Don’t serve them anything else.
- Call emergency services right away (EU: 112, U.S.: 911).
- If the guest has an epinephrine auto-injector, help them use it.
- Stay with the guest. When responders arrive, tell them what you suspect the allergen was and exactly what the guest ate.
- After the event, fill out an incident report and review your procedures to help prevent this in the future.
Remember: your quick action can make all the difference.
Read next: Where Allergens Hide (Common Traps)