Can you eat Five Guys fries with peanut allergy?

Five Guys is a popular fast-food chain known for its delicious burgers and fries. However, for those with peanut allergies, dining at Five Guys may seem like a risky choice due to the use of peanut oil in their cooking process. This raises the question, can you eat Five Guys fries with a peanut allergy?

The short answer is yes, you can eat Five Guys fries with a peanut allergy. However, there are some important things to consider before indulging in these tasty fries.

Firstly, it is important to note that Five Guys does use peanut oil to cook their fries. This oil is used to fry their hand-cut potatoes to achieve the perfect crispy texture and flavor. However, the good news is that the peanut oil used by Five Guys is highly refined, which means that it does not contain any peanut protein. This makes it safe for those with peanut allergies to consume.

According to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), highly refined oils, such as peanut oil, are generally safe for individuals with peanut allergies. This is because the refining process removes the proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor before consuming any food that may contain allergens.

In addition to using highly refined peanut oil, Five Guys also takes extra precautions to prevent cross-contamination. They have strict protocols in place to ensure that their peanut oil is not mixed with any other cooking oils. The fryers used for cooking the fries are also dedicated solely to frying potatoes, eliminating the risk of cross-contact with other foods.

Furthermore, Five Guys has a detailed allergen guide available on their website, which lists all the ingredients used in their menu items. This guide also includes information on potential cross-contact with allergens. It is recommended to review this guide before ordering to ensure that the food you are consuming is safe for your specific allergy.

Despite these precautions, there is still a small risk of cross-contact with peanuts at Five Guys. This can happen if a customer brings in outside food containing peanuts or if an employee accidentally contaminates the cooking equipment. Therefore, it is important to inform the staff about your allergy and ask them to take extra precautions when preparing your food.

If you have a severe peanut allergy, it is best to avoid Five Guys altogether. However, if you have a mild allergy, you can still enjoy their fries by taking the necessary precautions and informing the staff about your allergy.

In conclusion, it is possible to eat Five Guys fries with a peanut allergy. The use of highly refined peanut oil and strict protocols for preventing cross-contamination make it a safe option for those with peanut allergies. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor and take necessary precautions before consuming any food that may contain allergens.