Latex Gloves

[Belle102498]

Hi everyone! This is going to sound like a really strange question, but I will be traveling with family next October to the World Two of us have SEVERE latex allergies, and I was wondering if latex gloves were used in the preparation of food in any sit down restaurants or counter service . Is there any way I could find out this information before going? A hospital visit is not in our plans for this vacation Forewarned is forearmed right? Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Depends upon the eatery and the specific day.
2) WDW has two types of gloves - latex and non-latex.
3) There are CM's that are allergic to either/both types.
4) So, who is working that night?
. . . CM's without allergies, using the non-latex gloves?
. . . CM's with non-latex allergies, using the latex gloves?
5) You need to ask at the podium.

NOTE: Yes, we have seen people allergic to the non-allergic gloves.
We had some for cleaning, and those folks had to use latex gloves.

 

[bellamama]

If you let your resort know, they can be sure that no latex items are left in your room after cleaning or room prep/decorating(rubber bands, latex-backed bath mats, balloons, etc)
As far as the food preperation, have you ever had a problem before? My personal reaction is not one of anaphalaxis (yet), and so I have no problem. My telltale signs of swelling and tingling of the mouth, or blisters on my skin alert me to take action.
As a health care worker, I know that most anaphalactic latex allergic reactions occur when direct contact with an object containing latex occurs, even brief. Many food service workers are not even aware of what type of gloves (if any) they use. Many people in the general public are unaware of how common latex is in everyday products. My advice would be to ask first, but be aware that they may not know.
Carry your epi pen, keep benedryl fastabs on hand and relax, everything will be OK!
Have a wonderful time!

 

[minnie mum]

You could try posting this on the DisAbilities board. Disney has a contact number for people with serious dietary allergies/restrictions. Someone on that board will be able to provide you with that information.

 

[WantToGoNow]

We always have to speak with the chef concerning this very topic because my ds10 is allergic to latex. None of the restaurants we visited on our last trip used latex gloves and we were told by several chefs that latex gloves are not used in food preparation anywhere at WDW. My cousin's family was with us last trip and she is more sensitive than my ds and had no problems as well.

The chef at Liberty Tree Tavern made ds a special plate when he was 5 because he said he couldn't guarantee the people that launder the napkins or wash the dishes don't use latex gloves - he had a brand new just out of the package napkin and brand new never used utinsels and enough food on his plate to feed our entire family of 5 - his eyes bugged when it was sat in front of him - no 5 y/o would have been able to eat that much and they brought him an entire basket of rolls. We've never asked at CS eateries though and there has never been a problem.

 

[Mrs K]

I also have a severe latex allergy. I usually note in on my ADRs. I haven't had problems at CS places. I did have a mild reaction after eating a bagel in the CL lounge at the Poly years ago, I'm sure the CM had latex gloves on when she put them on the platter. Make a note of your allergy on your reservations so that don't use latex gloves when cleaning the room or put balloons in there for a surprise. We had to change rooms once because we had Happy Birthday balloons in our room when we checked in.

 

[Belle102498]

Thanks for all the info and advice. I am VERY appreciative!