My son has 2 1/2 years left until he finishes school and is trying to make up his mind on a career where he would love to be either a chef or a pilot. He has taken a few flying lessons and enjoys it very much but he also really loves cooking and I think he's leaning more towards wanting to become a chef.
My concern though is that he is allergic to peanuts. No other nuts, just peanuts. He cannot eat or handle them. He carries an EpiPen and is careful about what he eats but luckily these days most foods clearly state if peanuts are included.
I am sure there are many chefs with food allergies that have worked around this problem by using gloves and not tasting foods that they cook that contain the allergen. My biggest concern is that because he has this food allergy he might be overlooked for job placement as he might be deemed risky. I'd hate him to embark on a career with a huge disadvantage.
I'd really appreciate some honest advice from those who would be doing the 'hiring' about how they would honestly feel about taking on a trainee or chef with a peanut allergy, and from chefs who either have allergies or know of chefs who do.
Many thanks,
CooloolaKate
Brisbane
Australia
