Call 112 for emergency services anywhere in the European Union.
Food and preparation conversations
Dish names and recipes vary. These are prompts for a conversation, not a list of foods that are automatically unsafe.
Sauces and stocks
Ask whether butter, cream, egg, mustard, flour, fish stock or shellfish stock is used. A sauce served on the side can still have shared-utensil or preparation risks.
Bread and pastry
Bakeries commonly handle wheat, milk, egg, sesame and nuts in the same workspace. A product without an allergen as an intentional ingredient may still have cross-contact.
Cheese and charcuterie service
Boards, knives and counters may be shared. Ask for clean utensils and a clean surface, and avoid relying on removing an ingredient after plating.
A sample French allergy statement
J’ai de graves allergies alimentaires aux sésame, arachides et œufs.
Build a card with the traveler’s exact allergens before using it.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
- Keep the French written card easy to reach.
- Ask for the written allergen information where available, then discuss cross-contact.
- Carry backups of prescribed rescue medication according to clinician advice.
- Check official destination guidance close to travel.
Official and primary sources
Links were checked during our August 12, 2026 review. Official guidance can change; inspect the current source before travel.
- Food allergies and allergen information in the EUEuropean Commission
- 112: the EU emergency phone numberEuropean Commission
- France travel adviceUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Travelers’ Health destination guidanceU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- International Travel Country InformationU.S. Department of State