It used to be that if you or your child had a food allergy, you didn't venture out to dinner. No need to do that anymore! More restaurants are becoming aware of food allergies/intolerance and are doing something about it!

Up to eight percent of American kids have a true food allergy. Leading the way: an alarming increase of nut allergies in kids.

There are several theories as to why, including clean living and the use of medications that weaken our immune system; timing of introduction of the food and how the food is prepared.

Some of the most common food allergies? Again, nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, strawberries, tomatoes and wheat.

A website and an app are available that families can make use of on your smartphone (iPhone/Android): allergyeats.com. The site is a guide to allergy-friendly restaurants around the country and they are reviewed and rated by people with food allergies.

Just another sign that shows food allergies are not only recognized but taken seriously by the food industry today.