Emergency medical number192

Call SAMU on 192 for a medical emergency. The service operates 24 hours a day.

Food and preparation conversations

Dish names and recipes vary. These are prompts for a conversation, not a list of foods that are automatically unsafe.

Desserts and baked foods

Milk, egg, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts may appear in sweets, cakes and fillings. Ask about toppings and preparation surfaces as well as the named dessert.

Seafood and regional recipes

Fish, shellfish, nuts and other ingredients vary by region. Ask about stocks, cooking oils and garnishes, not only the visible protein.

Buffets and self-service restaurants

Serving utensils can move between trays. Ask staff whether a separately prepared portion is possible and avoid assuming physical separation prevents cross-contact.

A sample Brazilian Portuguese allergy statement

Example only: sesame, peanuts and eggs

Tenho alergias alimentares graves a SĂ©samo, Amendoins e Ovos.

Build a card with the traveler’s exact allergens before using it.
Create the exact card

Questions to ask the restaurant

  • Can the kitchen check every ingredient, sauce, garnish and cooking oil used in this dish?
  • Is the same fryer, grill, pan, knife, board or serving utensil used for my allergen?
  • Can my meal be prepared with clean hands, clean utensils and a clean preparation area?
  • If the kitchen cannot confirm the ingredients or cross-contact controls, what unopened or simply prepared option is available?

Before you go

  • Use Brazilian Portuguese rather than assuming another Portuguese variant will be understood identically.
  • Save official emergency and insurer contacts.
  • Bring printed and offline copies of the card.
  • Review current government travel advice.

Official and primary sources

Links were checked during our August 12, 2026 review. Official guidance can change; inspect the current source before travel.