Tag: Allergy Friendly

These are recipes with none of the top 9 food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat, and soy). They may also have allergy substitutions. Please, be careful especially when using prepared ingredients to always read labels for additional possible sources of food allergens.

ALLERGEN

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system has a reaction shortly after consuming a specific food. Reactions can range from mild to severe, and symptoms may vary depending on severity. Severe reactions such as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Signs of anaphylaxis include impaired breathing due to swelling of the mouth, throat, or lips, drops in blood pressure, weak and rapid pulse, or itchy, raised, or flushed skin.

When we consume a food we are allergic to, our immune system makes an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies respond to the allergen which result in allergic reaction symptoms.

What are the symptoms:

Mild symptoms usually affect one part of the body and can include: itchy mouth, sneezing, itching, runny nose, mild nausea, or stomach discomfort.

Severe symptoms may involve more than one symptoms and may include: shortness of breathe, feeling pale/faint/dizzy, widespread hives, significant swelling of mouth tongue or lips, repetitive vomiting or diarrhea.

How long does it take for a reaction to occur?

Most allergic reactions take place within two hours of ingestion. Although often they start within minutes. Some delayed food reactions take up to four to six hours to occur. These are much less common and include symptoms such as eczema, repetitive vomiting, or diarrhea. One specific delayed food reaction is named food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). This is when a severe gastrointestinal response occurs anywhere from two to six hours after ingesting milk, soy, or grains.

How common are food allergies?

According to the FARE, Food Allergy Research and Education group, it is estimated that 33 million Americans suffer from one or more food allergies. This breaks down to about 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children. Additionally, 51% of adults and 42% of children have experienced a severe reaction.

Can you outgrow food allergies?

Research suggests that allergies to shellfish, fish, peanuts and tree nuts are most often lifelong. Although, allergies to milk, egg, soy, and wheat are likely to resolve during childhood.

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?

A food allergy and a food intolerance are often confused. As mentioned above, a food allergy involves the immune system. A food intolerance usually only affects the digestive system, and symptoms are not as severe. For example, with food intolerance, you may eat small amounts of food without symptoms or avoid symptoms and discomfort through medications or digestive enzymes (e.g., lactase enzyme pills to help digest lactose in milk). Want to learn more about the difference between a food allergy and an intolerance? Click here!

What is cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination is the transfer of harmful bacteria from one item to another. Items may include other food products, utensils, or cutting boards. For example, using the same cutting board to slice raw chicken and ready-to-eat vegetables can cause cross-contamination. Handling raw meat, fish, and poultry can increase the risk of cross-contamination, so be sure to keep these foods away from ready-prepared or already-cooked food products such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

What are ways we can reduce the risk of cross-contamination?

Always use clean cutting boards If possible, use separate cutting boards for fresh produce and raw meat Wash your hands and prep area after touching raw meat, fish or poultry (e.g., chicken, steak) Use gloves when handling ready-prepared foods

What are the top 9 food allergies?

Milk → ​ contains milk symbol Eggs → ​​contains egg symbol Fish → ​ contains fish symbol Shellfish → ​ contains shellfish symbol Tree Nuts → ​ contains tree nuts symbol Peanuts → contains peanut symbol Wheat → ​​ contains wheat symbol Soybeans → ​​ contains soybean symbol Sesame → → ​​ contains sesame symbol

Recipes for 'Allergy Friendly'