Free food allergy fundamentals guide

When some people say the best things in life are free, my cynical self usually disagrees. But here's something gratis that I believe most restaurateurs will appreciate.

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, in cooperation with the National Restaurant Association, just released a free publication about handling customers with allergies, Welcoming Guests With Food Allergies.

The publication includes tips on how to manage such situations from the front end and the back end of your operation. It also includes a nice glossary of allergy terms. After all, how can you help people if you don't understand what's ailing them?

As someone who's had to work with restaurants regarding a wicked hypersensitivity to peanuts, I know we all can learn — and do — more about this emerging epidemic.

Do I still pass up free things? Not this time!