Food Allergies in Homestays Disclaimer
Important information about food allergies and meal plan options in homestays.
This page explains how food allergies and intolerances work in a homestay setting, and what you need to do before booking. A homestay is a domestic family home, not a restaurant or professional kitchen.
Key message: If you have a food allergy, we strongly recommend self-catering. In a family home, allergens may be present and cross-contact cannot be eliminated.
Related pages:
Important terms (plain English)
- Allergy: an immune reaction that can be serious and may be life-threatening.
- Intolerance: a non-immune reaction (for example digestive symptoms).
- Cross-contamination: when an allergen accidentally gets into other food during storage, preparation or cooking in the same kitchen.
Tell us before you book
Please tell us in writing before booking about any food allergies or intolerances.
We will share this information with your host so they can prepare for your stay. This sharing is necessary to help manage risk in a shared home.
If you do not tell us about an allergy until after your booking is confirmed, it may limit the homes available and may delay or prevent a suitable match.
Homestay kitchens are not allergen-controlled
Homestays do not have professional kitchens and hosts are not trained allergen specialists. Ingredients may contain allergens and cross-contact can happen in a domestic home.
This means we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, even where a host takes care.
Your host’s household may still use allergens in the home for their own meals (for example peanut butter). This can increase the risk of accidental exposure.
Choosing the right meal plan
If you have a food allergy, self-catering is usually the safest option because you control what you buy, prepare and eat.
If you have a severe allergy (for example anaphylaxis risk), host-prepared meal plans may be unsafe. We strongly recommend self-catering. If you are unsure what is suitable for you, seek medical advice.
Depending on the allergy and the booking details, we may not be able to offer a host-prepared meal plan.
If you still choose a meal plan
If you book a meal plan when you have an allergy, you should understand that accidental exposure can still happen in a domestic kitchen. This is why self-catering is recommended.
If you tell us in writing about an allergy and still book a meal plan, the host may make efforts to avoid your allergens where possible. For example, a host may:
- Check ingredient labels for meals they prepare for you
- Avoid using your known trigger ingredients in meals they cook for you
- Tell you if they are not sure about an ingredient
However, this does not guarantee an allergen-free environment or eliminate the risk of cross-contact in a domestic kitchen.
What to do when you arrive
Even if you book self-catering, tell your host about your allergy when you arrive. This helps them respond in an emergency.
Please tell your host:
- What you are allergic to (or what you must avoid)
- Where you keep your medication
- What to do if you have symptoms and need help
- What to tell emergency services if you cannot speak
If you have a severe allergy, ask your host about separate storage space and how to reduce cross-contact (for example separate utensils and careful cleaning).
If you feel the home is not suitable for your needs, contact London Homestays as soon as possible.
Your responsibilities
- Manage your condition and follow your doctor’s advice.
- Carry and use any prescribed medication (for example an adrenaline auto-injector).
- Arrange appropriate medical/travel insurance.
- Check labels and ask questions if you are unsure about ingredients.
- Tell us promptly if anything changes about your allergy or dietary needs (including new symptoms during your stay).
Food labelling in the UK (quick note)
In the UK, packaged foods usually highlight the 14 major allergens when they are ingredients. However:
- “May contain” warnings are not consistent across all products.
- Unpackaged foods (for example bakery counters) may not have full ingredient labels on display.
If you are not sure about a product or meal, do not eat it.
If you have an allergic reaction at your homestay
If you have allergic symptoms:
- Use your prescribed medication immediately (if you have it).
- Tell your host or anyone nearby what is happening.
- Call 999 if symptoms are severe or getting worse.
- If possible, do not stay alone until help arrives.
For urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening, contact NHS 111.
Related pages:
Booking confirmation
If you book a host-prepared meal plan and tell us you have an allergy, we may ask you to confirm in writing that you have read and understood this page, including that we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Religious and ethical dietary requirements
If you avoid certain foods for religious or ethical reasons (for example halal, kosher, vegetarian or vegan), this is a dietary requirement rather than an allergy.
Please tell us about these requirements separately from allergies, as we match and manage them differently.
Common allergens in the UK
The UK recognises 14 major allergens that are commonly used as a reference list. If any of these apply to you, tell us in writing before booking.
Related pages:
Booking on behalf of someone else
If you are an agent, school, parent/guardian or employer booking on behalf of someone else, please share this information with the guest and make sure we receive allergy details in writing before booking.
Legal note
Nothing on this page excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
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