Allergen Friendly Holidays

Halloween is a difficult time for many, especially kids- since so many of our packaged food products contain ingredients that they may be allergic to. Here are some ideas for allergen friendly snack for all to enjoy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affects 6 % of adults and an estimated 8% of children in the United States. That’s 1 in 13 children, or about 2 students per classroom, suffer from at least one food allergy.

To find an allergen-free snack, visit our allergen-free page.

A wide range of food items can trigger food allergies, but some are more common than others. The most prevalent food allergens include:

• Peanuts: Peanuts, one of the most common and severe food allergens, can trigger reactions ranging from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis, often found in baked goods, candies, and sauces.
• Tree Nuts: Allergies to tree nuts, such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pecans, are also prevalent. These allergies can be just as severe as peanut allergies and can be triggered by even trace amounts of the allergen.
• Milk: Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children, but it can also affect adults. Dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, are primary sources of milk allergens.

Additional food allergies include:

• Soy
• Wheat
• Shellfish
• Egg
• Sesame
• Fish

Although any food can cause an allergy, the Food and Drug Administration suggests that nine foods account for 90% of allergic reactions.

Food allergy symptoms:

For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For other people, a food allergy reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. Rarely, symptoms may be delayed for several hours.

Symptoms may include:

• swelling of the tongue, mouth, or face
• difficulty breathing
• low blood pressure
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• hives
• itchy rash
• dizziness
• feeling faint
• coughing or wheezing
• coarse voice

In severe cases, a food allergy can cause anaphylaxis. This can be a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Once a food allergy has already developed, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to know and avoid foods that cause signs and symptoms. For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it very difficult. Also, some foods — when used as ingredients in certain dishes — may be well hidden. This is especially true in restaurants and in other social settings.

If you suffer from any type of food allergy, it is important to seek assistance from a healthcare practitioner. Learn more about food allergy basics and you can manage your allergy to live a healthy life.