The holidays are often celebrated with feasts of food to be shared among family and friends. However, it can become very tricky to navigate food allergens for those who might be affected. Here are some tips and general information to help you or others steer clear of allergens for all the gatherings this year!
At Home
- Host the Event: By hosting, you control the menu and can ensure all dishes are safe.
- Educate Guests: Inform guests about the allergens to avoid and ask them to read labels and use separate utensils.
- Label Foods: Clearly label all dishes with their ingredients to help guests identify safe options.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils and preparation areas for allergen-free foods.
At Someone Else’s House
- Offer to Help: Assist in planning the menu or preparing food to ensure safe options are available.
- Bring Your Own Food: Consider bringing a safe dish or your own meal to avoid any risks.
- Serve Yourself First: This helps you avoid cross-contamination from shared utensils.
At Restaurants
- Research Ahead: Look up menus and the ingredient list before dining out.
- Communicate with Staff: Inform the restaurant staff about your allergies and ask about their food preparation practices.
- Choose Chain Restaurants: They often have standardized recipes and can provide allergen information.
Cross Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. Here are some key points to understand and prevent cross-contamination:
- Food-to-Food: This happens when bacteria from one food item, such as raw meat, transfer to another food item, like vegetables, often through direct contact or dripping juices.
- Equipment-to-Food: Bacteria can transfer from contaminated surfaces like cutting boards, knives, or countertops to food. For example, using the same cutting board for raw chicken and then for vegetables without proper cleaning.
- People-to-Food: This occurs when bacteria from hands, clothing, or utensils transfer to food. For instance, touching food with unwashed hands after handling raw meat.
Common Food Allergens
The most common food allergens, often referred to as the “Big 9,” are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions.
- Dairy: Common in children, many outgrow it by adulthood.
- Eggs: Often found in baked goods and processed foods.
- Peanuts: Legumes are not a true nut, but highly allergenic too.
- Tree Nuts: Includes almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.
- Fish: Such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.
- Shellfish: Includes shrimp, crab, and lobster.
- Wheat: Common in young children, often outgrown.
- Soy: Found in countless processed foods.
- Sesame: Increasingly recognized as a major allergen.
These allergens can cause reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives to severe anaphylaxis. Be sure to carry your EpiPen or ensure that those around you with allergies are carrying their own (always check expiration dates as well).
By taking these precautions, everyone can enjoy the holiday season without worrying about food allergens. We offer all-year round allergy tests for others who are experiencing allergens or who are interested in finding out their allergens.
We offer allergy testing at our Edmonton South and Calgary Southeast locations, visit our page for more information!