Peanut allergy in the US affects up to 8% of children and that number continues to increase. One of the biggest burdens for a family of a child with a food allergy is eating outside of the home. Some families avoid eating out altogether due to fear of their child having a reaction. Many patients with peanut allergy don’t end up in my office until late childhood and their parents never knew that it was safe for their child to eat at Chick-fil-A. Once they find out, their question is always, “WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL ME THAT?”
So, I’m here to inform you that the peanut oil used at Chick-fil-A is 100% refined which removes the peanut protein. The allergen is in the peanut protein, not the oil. That means that people with peanut allergies can safely eat at Chick-fil-A without worrying about reactions. Nothing on their menu contains peanut protein. Something else to be aware of is that not all restaurants use 100% refined peanut oil, so it is important not to assume that another establishment uses the same kind of peanut oil. I hope this information frees up some families to go enjoy yummy Chick-fil-A.