[cnity]

I didn't read GP as blaming servers so much as demonstrating what is effectively systemic ignorance in the restaurant industry. The inability to 100% confirm ingredients is highlighted as not only being due to servers not knowing the exact contents of all meals (which is understandable), but also the fact that those who prepare and cook the meals as also being uncertain.

[windowsrookie]

The problem is a large portion of the food in restaurants is not prepared in the restaurant. If you order a burger meal, yes the meat is cooked on the grill at the restaurant, but the buns, and any sauce were likely made somewhere else. They might purchase the meat pre-seasoned from the food distributor. And the french fries likely even have a seasoning pre-applied to them before they are delivered to the restaurant.

[ebiester]

But that makes it easier for the restaurant!

You have the ingredients on a package to check. The head chef can do it while constructing the recipe. And you can explicitly order gluten free substitutes that stay in the freezer until needed.

[ifyoubuildit]

Does that make it acceptable? Its like if a dev blames a library for a bug in their product that they are charging money for.

[twunde]

There are some places that are much better about this than others. I remember in Europe several of the restaurants had _books_ containing all the potential ingredients and cross-allergens for each dish. I distinctly remember Wagamama's in London pulling one out and double-checking it due to my spouse's eggplant allergy. Sadly it removed most of the menu that we were excited to eat, but it was damn impressive.