Meet Chloe Dickson: Working in Hospitality with Severe Allergies and Airborne Anaphylaxis
My name is Chloe!
I’m 26, grown up in Brighton, and had my first anaphylactic shock at just three months old.
A few years ago I made it my mission to educate and raise awareness for people like myself who have severe allergies and airborne anaphylaxis.
Some days are definitely tougher than others. I find myself becoming emotionally and physically drained, constantly having to be aware of my surroundings; often thinking about when my next anaphylactic shock will occur. Living with anaphylaxis has become the norm for me, however this doesn’t mean it gets easier day to day.
The challenges I face:
The challenges I face daily are endless. From catching a bus to work, getting taxis, socialising with friends, going food shopping. Everywhere I go, there’s a chance I’ll have a reaction.
Finding proper medical care post-reaction can also be difficult. Whether that’s ensuring the people around me are trained enough on how to use my epi-pen or whether I’m in a peanut-free environment where I can be treated. This also means that even hospitals aren’t always safe for me, as they sell peanuts in vending machines. I’ve even had more severe reactions and multiple anaphylactic shocks whilst in the hospital for other things because peanuts were sold and opened whilst I was there getting treatment. Even some doctors and paramedics who have treated me just ate peanuts and triggered an even worse reaction (though of course, on countless occasions they have saved my life).
I’ve even found it particularly hard finding a job. I was labelled a “burden”, and was told by many employers I’m “too high risk” to employ. I found myself pretending my allergies weren’t as severe just to get an interview.
At a previous job I was assured that all the necessary steps were taken so I could work. After about 5 months I was contacted by my manager because they wanted to serve a new special containing peanuts. All my shifts for the week were cancelled and I was told they would be contacted after a few days. About a week later I was told that the dish had sold so well and it was being kept on the menu. I was let go.
Working at Moksha:
I applied to Moksha Caffe and in my interview I specified my allergies. Somebody in the building already had a peanut allergy and they had removed peanuts already. Even still, I was anxious and downplayed my allergies. Within the first month a member of staff brought in a few snickers bars as a snack, thankfully the manager at the time dealt with the situation and I was fine.
I don’t think anybody understood the severity of my allergies until I had a severe anaphylactic shock which led to me being hospitalised for two weeks. After this, we realised as a team how crucial it was for me to be alerted about any customers who had brought in peanuts into Moksha.
Now, we have proper signage using my Peanut Free Zone poster.
We also tell all customers with snacks for little ones to not bring or open peanuts in the building. Regarding all of my other allergies, I eat at Moksha five days a week safely because the chefs are so well informed about food allergens. My colleagues are also proactive and know how to help me during a reaction as well as preventing it.
I‘ve now worked here for 5 years and couldn’t be more comfortable, something I’ve been told many times by many different people, wouldn’t be possible in hospitality.
Best thing about the 2025 BRAVO awards:
This year, Moksha are in the BRAVO Awards once again for the titles “Best Brunch”, “Plant Champions”, “Best Team” and “Family Friendly”.
So far, we’ve won a good few awards including Best Brunch, Best Cafe, Family friendly as well as coming top 5 in many other categories throughout the years. The BRAVOS are a brilliant celebration of local catering businesses across Brighton and Hove. It’s always exciting to be part of something across the city with a chance to meet other businesses.
They’ve recently even made the BRAVO Awards‘ opening and closing events a PeanutFreeZone!
How my socials has helped with raising awareness:
Starting PeanutFreeZone on Instagram furthered my reach in raising awareness.
Growing up, I felt isolated, vulnerable and insecure speaking about my allergies. I wish I had someone to look up to when I was younger. Now, I am that person and PeanutFreeZone has given me the platform to share that. Using social media I’m able to reach more people in a way they’re familiar with and isn’t too scary. I’m more confident about it, and others are able to engage with me about allergies.
How can restaurants and pubs take the correct measures to keep me safe:
When I go out some restaurants could definitely be more allergy aware.
I’ve been met with many fear- stricken faces when recounting my allergies to them. Whether through concern or miseducation, I have often had uncomfortable experiences.
A good way to make people with airborne anaphylaxis more comfortable when eating out is to inform the staff they’re coming, wipe down tables, counters etc. and identify them on arrival if they’ve made a reservation.
Allergen sheets and the staff being confident with allergens on their menu is the most important factor. I understand that cross contamination is a worry for chefs and restaurant owners but as long as the staff can guarantee all the right precautions are taken, it should be safe for allergy sufferers to eat out.
Aside from Moksha there are many great venues in Brighton and Hove where I feel safe and comfortable. Some places that I can rely on are the Signalman, Prince George, The Old Market (first PeanutFreeZone theatre in the UK by the way), Wahaca, Pinocchio, and of course the BRAVO events. I really appreciate the work they do, to be so accommodating with me!
Next step: More education, more awareness and more from PeanutFreeZone.