Food Allergy Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wean my child on to food?
- It is recommended to begin weaning your child on to solid food from age 6 months. By this age your child’s digestive tract will be sufficiently developed to process solid foods.
- Allergy Ireland recommend that you begin to introduce nuts from 6 months of age and before age one if possible. This can significantly reduce the risk of developing a nut allergy.
- In the beginning introduce one new food at a time. Foods may then be combined several weeks in to weaning.
- Begin by introducing simple root vegetables such as sweet potato or carrot. Introduce one ‘bitter vegetable’ every day for one week and then repeat this the following week e.g. broccoli, parsnip, asparagus, beetroot, kale. The addition of chickpeas and lentils is especially important if you are breastfeeding as they are rich in iron. Ensure that all vegetables are well cooked and pureed sufficiently. Serve food at room temperature or lukewarm.
- Avoid adding sugar or salt to the vegetables.
- Avoid honey until age one.
- Try to avoid introducing a new food while your child is unwell or suffering an eczema flare as this may increase the risk of food allergy. This is especially important in the case of allergenic foods such as nuts, fish, shellfish and egg.
Why are lists of "safe" products not recommended?
Relying on a list of "safe" products is not recommended because ingredients and recipes can change without warning. This makes it impossible to keep an up-to-date list. Ingredients can sometimes vary depending on the product size (i.e. regular and mini) or manufacturing location. Lists are also left in drawers and they discourage the allergic individual or their carers from always reading the label. The safest policy is to read the ingredient statement for all products every time you make a purchase.
Can products with "may contain" statements be consumed by those with food allergies?
It is not recommended, as this warning is included when the food manufacturer feels there could be a risk of contamination. Cross-contamination during food preparation, processing and packaging does occur and when a product is purchased the consumer has no real idea how great that risk may be. The package bought last week might have been fine but the product bought this week "may contain" the specified allergen. It is safest to heed the warning on the product.
Can products with "may contain" statements be consumed by non-allergic children in the presence of children with food allergies?
It is reasonable for non-allergic children to consume foods that "May contain…"around the allergic individual as long as there is adult supervision and strategies are in place to minimise the risk of a reaction, e.g. a "no food sharing" rule, hand-washing after eating, etc.
Hidden Ingredients
Nut Allergies
The following foods can cause problems for the nut/peanut allergic person when eating out and should be avoided unless they can positively confirm there is no nut/peanut protein present:
- Chinese and Thai dishes (even soup!)
- Baked goods (pastries, cakes, biscuits, etc.)
- Sauces (e.g. chilli sauces)
- Desserts
- Toppings and gravy. Peanut sauce has also been used as a secret ingredient for marinating chicken.
Egg and milk protein
Milk Casein protein maybe used as a binder in meat products and "restructured" salmon or imitation seafood. Also be aware of foods that have a shine to them. Egg and milk can be used to give food this glazed appearance, such as in the local bakery.
Soy and Fish allergy
Fish sauce can be used as a substitute for soy sauce.
Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies and/or soy.
Food additive 322 - lecithin
Most commercial lecithin is obtained from soybeans. Other sources are egg yolks and leguminous seeds, including peanuts and maize.
Fresh food
Many butchers and fresh food outlets now have ready-to-cook products such as satay skewers or seasoned foods that contain egg and/or milk powder. These allergen-containing foods may very well be sitting next to the plain foods or prepared on the same surfaces. When buying fresh food be aware that shop assistants may have been handling foods that present a risk to your child. Ensure that the shop assistant puts on a clean pair of gloves.
Food Allergens in the Home
It is much easier to manage life at home if the allergen is removed from your house. However, this is sometimes very difficult with foods such as egg and dairy for example.
- If you do have the allergen in your home, wash contaminated kitchen utensils separately in hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.
- Use hot, soapy disposable paper towelling to wipe surfaces that have had the allergen on them. This allows removal of the allergen without contamination of the everyday sponge or washcloth.
- Use separate colour coded sponges for washing up to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Avoid storing sponges together.
- Use a plastic basket in the fridge to contain allergic foods so the child knows not to touch the foods/products in the basket and can learn to recognise the products.
- Use separate oil when cooking with risk foods.
Takeaway food and restaurants
- Be aware of foods that are cooked in the same oil as risk foods.
BBQ safety
- Cook your child's food on foil to be sure no other food comes in contact with it.
Parties and Special Occasions
- Special occasions and celebrations constitute increased risk for food anaphylactic individuals. There is an increase in food consumption and away from home activities.
- Be prepared to take extra precautions with checking foods offered or placed within reach of your child.
- Keep suitable party cake slices individually wrapped and stored in the freezer. When you need to send the child to a party/special occasion/school celebrations etc., you can choose a piece from the freezer. Try to be prepared for the unexpected "special" occasion - keep frozen, labelled treats in freezer at home/school for treats/birthdays.
- Presents may need to be double-checked for that little packet of "sweets" that has no ingredient label.
- Consider agreeing to take turns caring for your child while at social occasions. This will help give both parents a chance to socialise and relax with friends and family, knowing that their child is safe.
Visiting farms/ animals, parks etc.
- Always check the contents of animal feed for allergens, especially if your child is hand-feeding animals, e.g. peanut has been found in cow feed and bird feed.
- Activities at farms may include collecting eggs and milking cows. If your child is milk or egg allergic try to organise a different fun activity.
Pet food
- Canned/dry pet food can contain allergens so labelling checking is required before handling.