Swedish restaurants soon 'allergy free'

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

STOCKHOLM (AFP) — Restaurant-goers with food allergies can soon chow down in Sweden with confidence in eateries bearing 'allergy-free' certificates, Sweden's Asthma and Allergy Association said Thursday.

The certificate will be granted to restaurants whose staff undergo a special training course that will enable them to better advise patrons of their food options and avoid the risk of allergic reactions.

"We have noticed for many years that people suffering from food allergies have a lot of problems when they eat out in a restaurant, and we want to help the restaurants cater to these people," Marianne Jarl, who is heading up the project, told AFP.

One in four adults in Sweden was believed to have some form of food allergy, though serious allergies were...