Even though people can be allergic to any food, the eight major food allergens are milk, fish, eggs, shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab, squid, crayfish, mussels, clams and oysters), tree nuts (almond, cashew, chestnut, pecan, walnut, hazelnut, pistachio, macadamia and pine nut), peanuts, wheat and soybeans.
Also, any food made with these ingredients or that contains even a trace of these foods can cause a reaction. There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of food allergens and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to food are important measures to prevent serious health consequences.
Parents or guardians with children who have food allergies should:
n Notify teachers/school of the child's food allergen and a plan to handle a food reaction;
n Provide a list of safe foods and beverages for the child;
n Inform teachers if a child must carry medication, such as an injectable epinephrine or antihistamine, and show them where it is kept;
n Provide instructions on how to administer medications;
n Wash your hands and clean surfaces before and after they are touched by food to avoid cross contact;
n Try to keep events, crafts, games and activities food- free;
n Not allow children to share food;
n Read the ingredient list on food labels to see if it includes any allergy ingredients. If there is no ingredient list or the food was prepared at home, do not serve it to the child;
n Provide contact information in case of an emergency;
n Have the child wear an identification bracelet that describes the allergy;
n Take the child to an allergist.
Allergy-friendly snack ideas include fresh fruit and vegetables; plain popcorn; applesauce; gelatin (Jell-O); raisins and other dried fruit; baked corn chips and salsa; homemade trail mix, excluding oat, rice or corn cereals that contain wheat; and frozen fruit bars that do not contain milk.
For more information, call the Washington County Health Partners' Nutrition Task Force at 724-222-6511, ext. 11, or e-mail md@wchpinc.org.
