For millions of Americans with food allergies, eating out can be a dangerous, sometimes deadly convenience.

More than 12 million people in the U.S. have food allergies, which is more than double what it was 10 years ago.

A lot of the people eat out, but a large number of them never mention that they have a food allergy when they visit a restaurant.

Eating out is a rare event for 7-year-old Daniel Clowes, who has multiple allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, peanut and tree nuts. Because his family is so protective, he's only had an allergic reaction once.

"We just ended up not going back, which is normally what happens in my support group," said his mother, Gina Clowes. "When a child has a minor reaction, the restaurant doesn't hear about it. You just end up not going back. It is just not worth it."

"There are a couple of places where he feels he can get a secret treat and sneak out, and for now, that is about all we can do," said Daniel's father, John Clowes.

But before they order, they always ask for the manager.

"We are dealing with multiple allergies here," said Gina Clowes. "I thought it was better if we dealt directly with you to place our order."

At Mad Mex, the moment a customer mentions food allergy, the server gets the manager.

"If someone says they have an allergy, every server that comes in knows what to do and how to handle it," said manager Paul Schupp. "The ticket will say the person had an allergy, and they will not start making this until we have a dialogue with the server about what the needs of this table are."

"It is usually not a problem when it happens, but you usually get about one a shift," said server Dan Williams.

Restaurants are becoming more cooperative. Registered dietician Mary Miller, who consults schools and restaurants, said there are several reasons why. First is the increase in people with food allergies.

"There are more restaurant owners with family members with food allergies, so they are more aware," said Miller. "And quite honestly, more litigation around food allergies."

That has led to things like a chart at Dairy Queen, which they whip out if you tell them you have a food allergy.

Debbie Frank's allergy to eggs is so severe she will react even if it touches her skin.

"If they are making eggs that morning and they don't wash the spatula good and make a hamburger and give it to me, it can happen," she said.

It is why proper cleaning is crucial.

"If they are just getting a strawberry blizzard, but just made a peanut blizzard and not cleaned property, then it can cross contaminate, so have to be very careful with that," said DQ manager June Smith.

But first and foremost, the person with the allergy must speak up.

There are other things you can do, one of which is to avoid high-risk menu choices like fried foods, where cross contamination can be a problem. Also avoid desserts, sauces and stuff in tortillas or pastries. There can be hidden allergens in them. The same goes with stews and buffet tables.

And if you have any doubts about a place, either leave or don't eat.

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