Laval restaurant charges extra dollar for allergy-friendly food

A Laval woman with food allergies has filed a human rights complaint against a local restaurant, "insulted" she had to pay a surcharge to make sure her meal was nut and soy free.

During a recent visit to Ottavio restaurant in Laval, Lidia Croteau mentioned her allergy to soy and nuts to her waiter, as she always does.

She was surprised – even insulted – to learn the restaurant charges a dollar extra for allergy-friendly food.

"It's like labelling a certain part of your clientele," Croteau told CBC Montreal's Daybreak, adding that allergies are like a disability, since people don't choose to develop them.

She filed a complaint about the extra charge with the Quebec Human Rights Commission Friday.

Extra precautions, extra costs

Restaurant owner Aki Progakis says his eatery pays scrupulous attention to allergies and keeping customers safe, but that comes at a cost.

Ottavio restaurants have two kitchens, two fryers and two pasta cookers, among other items. Employees are also trained on best practices when preparing food for people with allergies.

Progakis said the restaurant is offering a special service for those customers, and the service can be expensive.

"In any standard restaurant they don't take precautions, they're not careful with cross-contamination. I mean, anything that disrupts the fluidity of service is a serious matter in a restaurant," he said.

The owner also said the charge is also high enough to deter people who don't have serious allergies to use it "as an excuse" to avoid eating gluten, for example.

Croteau said she believes providing food free of allergens is simply good customer service and shouldn't come at a price.

"The intention is there. I find he has great intentions. He just ruined it with the surcharge," she said.