9 replies to this topic

[KikiUSA]

Does anyone know if there is any law that says if a restuarant does not provide gluten-free food that you can bring your own in???? I found the law for the schools but not for restuarants...just wondering as I have a christmas party to got to at Popo's here in Arizona but when I called them they said they do not provide for any alleregies and no one is allowed to bring in their own food......I would never go there willingly and I think this is sad.

[shadowicewolf]

Not that i'm aware of.

[tarnalberry]

Actually, in mostt cases, the law says no outside food for food safety reasons.

[julissa]

I go under the premise that if you don't ask, no one can tell you no. depending on where I am going, I have been known to order a salad and top it with something I brought inconspiculously. I don't make a big deal, and no one really even notices. I feel that if a restaurant doesn't serve food I can eat, I take it upon myself to be safe.

[kareng]

Health laws often prohibit outside food. I have just brought something small and sat at one side to eat it. Trying not to make a big deal out of it. Or I eat ahead or I don't go. It depends on the situation.

[psawyer]

In many jurisdictions, health code ties the hands of the restaurant. They may have the decision made for them.

Where I live, it is legal to bring something into the facility. They can not take it into the kitchen to warm it, nor can they use your bread to make a sandwich. They can bring the sandwich filling to you, and if you have your own wrapper, you can use it.

These rules are mostly for customer safety. Nothing can enter the kitchen except from an approved supplier. Food offered, but not served, can be taken back (the bread you refuse can go to another table). But once served, and out of the server's control, the only options are to throw it in the garbage, or to re-serve to the same customer at the same table.

[KikiUSA]

Thanks everyone for your response, I think I will just eat before I go that way I am safe!

[NorthernElf]

I bring food in all the time, I am just quiet about it. We had family up & went out for breakie and I brought my own dry cereal - just asked for a bowl and a glass of milk and a couple of hard boiled eggs. I was with serveral people who all ordered breakfasts.

We were in an english pub, 4 of us, and I ate my tuna & crackers while everyone else ordered (I had a drink)...there was a sign on the door "no outside food & drink".

Thing is, if they didn't let me, we would just go somewhere else. There are lots of restaurants to choose from....and I guess the folks I go out with are pretty flexible & understanding.

I don't go to restaurants very often though.

[KMMO320]

I work in a restaurant and have had ppl bring in McDonalds for their kids, it really doesn't bother me. WHat WOULD bother me is if more than 1 person was bringing their own food and only like 1 person was ordering from me.

What I cannot do is bring people's gluten-free bread to the kitchen for them to make a burger/sandwich. They also will not alter or cook in any way, any outside food. SO I have ppl who bring in their own bread and ask me to have it grilled. Nope. can't do it. We won't even warm outside food, including baby food, in a microwave.

I would just discreetly bring my own food, without making a big deal about it, and eat it.

[L.J.]

Hi Kikilusa! I don't know if it is "illegal" to bring food in-- but to my way of thinking, what restaurant would *not* want your business even if you brought a few a own your foods in! Yea???? Me. I have found 1 Restaurant that fits my eating needs....I say this with apprehension....because not all are the same, eh? I eat a *good* steak....a vegetable.....and another food source .... NF.... For me, it is a steak, grilled asparagus, and *PLAIN WHITE RICE* Please understand I say this in CAPS, because, when I asked, there was *ALL* kinds of "stuff" I could not eat in the "ginger/garlic/etc. rice:..........I do know that other people can eat these yummy foods--but me-- *NO WAY*....so I order simple....easy....(kind of if it is "at home" food, ,made my way )

Keep us up on how you are feeling, OK?
LJ