Top Food Allergies

CAUTION

This is a list of the top eight food allergies from the FDA that are required to note by law (1). There are more food that people may be allergic to but there is no way I can adequately track all of those items. So I am following the law by listing #1-8; and am adding my friends allergies #9 onward. 

There are more food that people may be allergic to but there is no way I can adequately track all of those items. So I am following the law by listing #1-8; and am adding my friends allergies #9 onward. 

Top Food Allergies

1. Milk
2. Eggs
3. Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod)
4. Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp)
5. Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
6. Peanuts
7. Wheat
8. Soybeans
9. Gluten (barley, rye, and other grains)
10. Tomatoes
11. Seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, sesame seeds + products)

Allergies are Life Threatening

Severe food allergies can be life-threatening, so I always track what my friends have to make sure my cooking does not make them ill. If in doubt, I ask guests if there are any food allergies or foods they need to avoid well before the dinner party.

How I Cook When There is an Allergy

If you have a guest with an allergy, there are a few steps that can be taken to help assure safety. The goal is to limit their exposure to the foods that trigger an allergic response.

1. Take allergies seriously
2. Buy carefully
3. Do not cook with that food item or its derivatives. 
4. Wash kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, dishes, utensils, etc. to remove remnants of the trigger item. This is especially important if it is a food item you usually cook. 
5. Use paper towels while cleaning the kitchen surfaces.  A kitchen towel may have the allergen on them from just daily use.
6. Wash your hands carefully before cooking and dry with a paper towel.
7. If using cloth napkins (for a more formal dinner), wash them in hot water before using so they are as clean as you can get them.
8. Rinse all fruits and veggies before using them (gently scrub with a brush if required).
9. Clean tops of cans or any jars before opening.

What They Can Do to Help Themselves

• Severe food allergies may be fatal
• Make sure they have appropriate medication on hand, like epi-pen
• Ask to have them show you how to use, just in case
• Talk with them about calling 911 when certain symptoms of an allergic reaction are seen