Finally some answers from Silk

Several months ago I wrote a post about the change in distributors for Silk Soy Milk and that they where now processing Almond Milk in the same facility and on the same equipment as both Dairy and Soy Milk. You can read that post here. After several attempts to get straight answers from the company regarding cross contamination issues I admit, I finally gave up. Since then we have stopped using the Silk brand in our house out of fear of cross contamination and my sons nut allergy.

I am now relieved to hear that Silk Brand Soy Milk now carries a nut allergy warning on the label. You can read more about this on The Nut-Free Mom's Blog.


Other related posts:  
Food Allergens In Unexpected Places
Could your Duraflame be more then just a fire hazard?
Reminder in the midst of the Hostess recall
Energy/Enhancement Drinks and Milk Allergies 
Beware: The Maraschino Cherry

Food Allergens In Unexpected Places

This weekend I came across a box of cornstartch at Target with an advisory label stating that it May Contain: Wheat, Egg, Milk, Soy and Tree Nuts. I would not have expected to find my sons allergen in a box of cornstartch but thankfully read the label out of habit. I wanted to share this as a reminder to ALWAYS read labels on EVERYTHING!

market pantry cornstartch

INGREDIENTS: CORNSTARCH, 

MAY CONTAIN WHEAT, EGG, MILK, 

SOY AND TREE NUTS

Where are some unexpected places you have found food allergens? Leave a comment.

Other related posts:  
Finally some answers from Silk
Could your Duraflame be more then just a fire hazard?
Reminder in the midst of the Hostess recall
Energy/Enhancement Drinks and Milk Allergies 
Beware: The Maraschino Cherry

Could your Duraflame be more then just a fire hazard?

A quick reminder to those with nut allergies, as the temperatures drop and people begin to use their fireplaces this winter be aware of what you are burning. Many people use Duraflame logs as a greener alternative to burning real wood. Duraflame firelogs are made from 100% renewable, recyclable resources including either almond or walnut shells. The ground shells make up about 35% of the log and are blended and totally encapsulated in natural waxes.

According to Duraflame, the possibility of a potential reaction to the use of the logs is very unlikely due to the fact that they're wrapped in paper which blocks the direct contact with the firelog. In no way am I trying to discourage the use of Duraflame firelogs but on the side of caution we have chosen not to use them in our home due to my sons nut allergy. If you have a child with nut allergies be cautious and keep them out of reach to prevent possible contact reactions.

Other related posts:  
Finally some answers from Silk
Food Allergens In Unexpected Places
Reminder in the midst of the Hostess recall
Energy/Enhancement Drinks and Milk Allergies 
Beware: The Maraschino Cherry

Artist Kenny Goodman takes on nut allergies

Kenny Goodman, a sculptor of wood statues and silver jewelry, has recently joined the initiative to promote awareness of nut allergies by adding a "No Nuts" surfboard to his existing sterling silver surfboard collection. Goodman sells his jewelry out of his small gallery on Fire Island, NY. His collection of silver surfboards are very popular among the young surfers on the island.

The "No Nuts" surfboard was inspired by the mother of one of Goodman's teenage fans who's child has a nut allergy. Together they designed this cool way to encourage awareness and caution of this serious allergy. The "No Nuts" surfboard is sterling silver and comes on a black silk cord (leather rots in salt water). Silver chains are also available. The "No Nuts" surfboard can be purchased by contacting Kenny Goodman at (888)898-6789 or by email at ajoygoodman@gmail.com.Visit his website to view his entire collection.

The Cookie Monster - Sarah Palin Strikes Again

I recently wrote a post on Sarah Palin and her shameless tweet on the proposed banning of sweets amongst Pennsylvania School Districts. If you are not yet familiar with the Palin cookie controversy spreading across social media, nutrition and food allergy blogs you can read my previous post here. For those of you who already read my post, here is an update:

Apparently, Palin wasn't listening when the overwhelming responses to her controversial tweet came flooding in asking that she not bring the cookies and requesting that she further educate herself in the issues that initiated the treat ban, Palin disregarded them all.

A second comment was made from Palin the following day stating, "2 PA school speech; I’ll intro kids 2 beauty of laissez-faire via serving them cookies amidst school cookie ban debate;Nanny state run amok!” It seems as though Palin feels she has some sort of political obligation to prove the PA State Board of Education wrong. We are talking about cookies and in a public education environment. I don't believe this is a situation in which the government is trying to regulate the decisions we as parents make in regards to our kids nutrition, but rather a school system that is  merely trying to look after the health and safety of their students. Needless to say, Palin did attend the event with 200 sugar cookies in tow. She was also later quoted by ABC News as saying, "I had to shake it up a bit...I brought dozens and dozens of cookies to these students".

Though many may deem Sarah Palin and her actions as inappropriate, she is not alone in her efforts to support cookies, cakes, and other such items in the classroom. For many of us these confectionery goodies were the sole focus of school celebrations growing up. On a nutritional basis, I have to a agree that an occasional cupcake is more then acceptable. The problem lies with what is considered occasional to one parent may differ from another.

Looking at this from the point of view of a mother who has a child with life-threatening food allergies I would have to strongly disagree with these "special" treats being brought into the classroom. For the nearly 2.2 million school-age children with food allergies, these treats could be deadly. Even a trace of a child's allergen in something they either come in contact with or eat could send them in to anaphylactic shock, a sudden, severe allergic reaction characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, urticaria, and breathing difficulties which may result in death. Simply reading a label on a food item is not adequate due to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCP). This would not only pose too high a risk to the school staff, but also to the allergic child as well. Another problem is home made treats brought in by a parent who may not understand not only the risks of cross-contamination, but also how to prevent it. Lastly, there is a "Sarah Palin" it seems in every school. The ones who think that the rules do not apply to them and their children. I cannot afford to put my trust in someone who I feel likely to avoid proper precautions when bringing in safe treats for my son.

Every child should be entitled to their fare share of cookies and cakes but it is not fair for one child to have to sit out while the others indulge in cupcakes, and candies. A school celebration should be just that. What happened to games? Are these treats just an easy way out? These kids should be able to use these "party days" as a time to participate in special play and/or activities. If food is required, why not sweet fruit? Leave the other stuff for home. Chances are your child won't even miss it.

Sarah Palin can have her cake and eat it too - Just don't do it around my kid!

Until a few years ago, when my oldest son was diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to tree nuts, I had no understanding of the severity of food allergies. Therefore I have always tried to be understanding of those who have had a hard time with the initial acceptance of my sons allergies. (That's not to say it hasn't at times irritated the hell outta me!) It was when Sarah Palin, the former Governor of Alaska and GOP Vice Presidential Nominee, made such an ignorant comment today regarding the proposed state ban on cakes, cookies, and candy at school parties in Pennsylvania that I broke.

Palin's controversial tweet earlier today read, "Hmm...may bring cookies to my PA school speech tmrw to make a pt 'PA mulls ban on cake/cookies/candy@ school parties..". I would have expected this women to have some education, if not knowledge, in regards to children's health issues in the United States and therefore be somewhat aware of the increase in both food allergies as well as childhood obesity. I cannot understand how she could have such a disregard to the safety and well being of those students who may suffer from either food allergies, celiac disease or weight issues. I find it hard to believe that she is unaware of the reasons behind the banning of sweets and other baked goods in the classroom, acting as if this is being done just to  prove some sort of point.

Regardless of the reasons behind the proposed banning of classroom sweets, Palin, also the mother of a child with down syndrome, should fully understand the importance of keeping our children safe, healthy, and accepted. Neither did our children nor we as parents ask for these disabilities and/or restrictions. School should be a safe haven for our kids to grow and learn. My child shouldn't have to feel left out and I shouldn't have to worry about another parent putting my childs life at risk due to their own selfishness.

There are those who are quick to blame the television, movies, or the radio for the current troubles amongst our kids and the current increase in bullying at school but what about the parents? When someone such as Sarah Palin, a mother, challenges the policies set in place by school officials why should our children be expected to follow these same rules and policies? As I have said before, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. By no means am I saying that Sarah Palins children are in any way bad or troubled. But you do have to wonder, exactly what kind of example does this set?

There are so many other ways to create a fun environment for kids. After all, a teacher is there to teach and interact with your child not feed them. If these cookies, cakes, and candies are such an important part of a child's life I have to wonder how the millions of children with food allergies, including my own, have managed to live such healthy, happy lives without them?

You can have your cake, but please, leave it at home!

Choosing an Allergen Free Turkey

Beware of the Thanksgiving turkey! What appears to be the safest dish on the menu for those with food allergies, commercial turkeys are often injected with a solution which may contain common allergens such as dairy, soy, wheat, and corn to make them tender. It is vital, as with all food products, to read the label carefully! For more information on how to read labels with food allergies click here.

What to look for on the label.

The first and probably most obvious thing to find on the label when choosing an allergen free turkey is what type of turkey it is. Stay away from basted or self-basted turkeys which are preprocessed. Unfortunately, these tend to be the most well-known commercial brands and of course the easiest to find.

The key word in finding an allergen free turkey is natural. By law anything labeled as natural must be "minimally processed" meaning they cannot contain additives. Thus a natural turkey should contain nothing but turkey and, perhaps, water. Notice I said "should". Again, always read the label!

What if Natural is not an option?

If a natural turkey is not an option for those of us with food allergies, another option is to  look for organic, free-range, ready-to-eat, or kosher on the label. Beware that these terms however do not have consistent meanings and may legally contain additives usually in the form of butter or "vegetable protein". Check the label carefully for the text "Injected with approximately ___% of a solution of ___,". Click here for USDA meat and poultry labeling terms.
  

Attending a gathering and not sure the turkey is safe?

Simple. Bring your own. Cook a natural turkey breast or thighs to take along and your guaranteed a safe and festive Thanksgiving dinner!

Could Your Food Allergies Really be Linked to Your Birthday?

A recent study in Finland found that babies conceived in late winter or early spring have a higher risk for food allergies. Researchers from Oulu University Hospital in Finland

found a higher incidence of positive results in food allergy tests among children born in October or November. It is believed to be because the babies' first three months of development occur in the spring, when the birch and alder pollen count is at its highest. Out of 6,000 children involved in the study, they found that those whose first trimester ended by April or may were three times more likely to have milk and egg allergies. You can read more about this study here.

I personally don't find much truth to any of this. How does that explain the increase in food allergies? Has there been that much of an increase in levels of pollen in the past 10 years? I feel the culprit still lies within our food supply and possibly the changes in the vaccines we give our children. Either way I still find the study intriguing.

I thought it would be interesting to set up a poll for my readers. In what month where either you (assuming you have food allergies) or your child with food allergies born?  Please take our poll in the upper right sidebar. 

Poll Results: According to our poll 28% of those readers with food allergies where born in November with March and August following close behind with 21%. Interestingly June had zero results.

Reminder in the midst of the Hostess recall

In the midst of the Hostess Brands, Inc recall, I received an email from a women who recently spoke with Hostess regarding their company-wide allergen labeling policy. She was advised to call on every product, and that different runs of different products could be in different facilities. Put simply, you cannot rely on their (or anyone else for that matter) labeling for cross-contamination warnings.

Label reading can be one of the trickiest and most frustrating parts of food allergies. Either when in doubt or when trying a product for the first time it is always best to call the manufacturer. Also remember many ingredients and manufacturing facilities can change at any given time without warning. For more on label reading click here.

Rant on food allergies and bullies

Its always been my fear that come Junior High/High School my son would somehow be involved in an altercation where he was attacked not physically but with food. He was diagnosed at age two with a life-threatening food allergy to tree nuts and though he is only four now I cant seem to shake these fears of another child intentionally placing my sons life in danger through the use of something so simple as a cashew.

After reading an article this morning on CNN Health entitled "Food allergies make kids the target of bullies" these fears where only reiterated. It sickens me to think that kids can be so malicious. I shouldn't have to be frightened to send my son out the door because another kid may find it amusing to see his fear over a walnut or an almond.

I would like to think its all just a lack of education but more and more I find it to be ignorance. Unfortunately these are probably the same children who's parents refused to leave out the PB&J that their child so desperately had to have in their school lunchboxes. As someone so kindly pointed out to me this morning, "the apple never falls far from the tree."

I just don't understand what it will take for some people to understand the seriousness of food allergies. I guess that is why I do what I do.

*Take our poll in the right sidebar - "Has your child ever been bullied because of their food allergy?"

Tricks and Tips to a Safe Halloween Without the Treats!

Gremlins, ghosts, and ghouls should be the scariest part of Halloween but when your child has food allergies its usually the treats that tend to give us nightmares. All those improperly labeled bite sized candies full of nuts, peanuts, dairy etc can be overwhelming for parents and tempting for little ones.

Here's a few tricks for a fun filled Halloween without the treats!

• Host your own Halloween party! Get the neighborhood kids, friends, and family together for a costume party. Play a game of Mummy Wrap. Using toilet paper or white crepe paper see who can wrap their mummy the fastest from head to toe. (I would skip on bobbing for apples which poses a risk of cross contamination from those who may have had a pre party treat.) Visit Kids with Food Allergies for some Allergy-free Halloween recipe ideas to serve at your party.

• Swap out your little ones treat bag with your own bag of "safe treats" such as pencils, erasers, bracelets, bubbles and such from the party or dollar store (The Oriental Trading Company has a large selection of inexpensive ideas.) A fun way to swap out treat bags is to have your child leave their candy outside their bedroom door so that the "good witch" can come while they are sleeping and replace them with her special bag of goodies.

• Check with your child's dentist to see if they offer a "candy for cash" event. Simply bring in your child's Halloween candy and the dentist will offer a set amount of cash usually per pound of candy. You can do this yourself at home as well by either offering a set amount, say 5 cents per candy, or by offering other rewards such as 30 extra minutes of TV time for 15 pieces of candy. Be creative.

• Have your kids help create and run a haunted house for other trick-or-treaters. Again, be creative. Chances are your kids will have so much fun creating a haunting experience and scaring their unsuspecting visitors (especially neighborhood friends) that they wont even miss the candy.

• Make it a family night in. Rent scary movies, play games, and enjoy each others company. Have the kids participate in making their favorite dinner and an extra special dessert. 

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!

Visit the Natural Candy Store for all-natural allergy-friendly candy options.

Are We Really Too Clean?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) one out of every 25 children has a food allergy, representing about a 20% increase between 1997 to 2007 while asthma affects over 20 million people at any given time. These numbers are rising.

Among the various possible causes of the increasing numbers of allergies and asthma is the Hygiene Hypothesis. This theory simply states that a lack of early childhood exposure to infectious agents, symbiotic microorganisms, and parasites increases susceptibility to allergic diseases by suppressing natural development of the immune system.

I recently came across a great article on Allergic Living's website that clearly defines the Hygiene Hypothesis and its link to allergies and asthma. The article, "Why So Many Allergies - Now?" can be viewed here.

As I have stated several times before, I strongly believe that the more we learn about all the possible causes of food allergies, the closer we will be to a cure.

Is there a connection between Vaccines and Food Allergies?

Vaccine antigens are injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly  into the body. Our Immune system in turn recognizes the agent as foreign and therefore destroys and "remembers" it so that the immune system can more easily recognize and destroy any of these microorganisms that it later encounters.

During the 19th century oil based ingredients where added to vaccines in order to extend there shelf life as well as make them more effective. These oil based adjuvants would prime the body so that it would be more sensitive to the vaccine reducing the amount of the active substance needed. Highly allergenic peanut oil is a very effective adjuvant used to not only prime the immune system but in some cases may also sensitize it as well.

A food allergy is an adverse immune response to a food protein such as those found in peanuts. A reaction occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies one of these food proteins as harmful perhaps from the immune systems sensitivity to a particular protein. Could the use of the food adjuvants in our vaccines be setting our children up to react to these same food proteins?

The incidence of egg allergy from the 1930s onwards within the vaccinated population coincided with use of egg in the manufacture of vaccines, also introduced in the 1930s. Is this just a coincidence? What about the mysterious outbreak of cotton seed allergy in the US which started in the 1930's through the 1950's? Did this have anything to do with the use of cottonseed oil as an "active" substance in the manufacture of vaccines during that same time period?

Rates of peanut allergies have increased dramatically since the introduction of the Hib  (Haemophilus influenza type B) vaccine believed to have containing adjuvant 65 (peanut oil) in the early 1990's. Same holds true for the advent of the Hib vaccine in Sweden during 2001. Yet peanut allergies are almost non-existent in countries such as China and Indonesia where the Hib vaccine is rarely given. Another coincidence?

As of now there is no proof that vaccinations are causing food allergies and by no means do I suggest by writing this that anyone should consider ceasing getting their child vaccinated without first speaking to your physician. Vaccines are just one of the many theories behind the cause of food allergies. The more we learn about theses possible causes the closer we may come to a cure and at least have the opportunity to make informed decisions in regards to the health and well being of not only our children but for ourselves as well.

A few recommended reads: "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies" by Kenneth Bock & Cameron Stauth and "The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic" by Heather Fraser

Allergy Saftey Products by Onespot Allergy - Review

Onespot Allergy was founded in 2009 by Elizabeth Goldenberg, the mother of a severely food allergic son. With an in depth understanding of food allergies, she has set out to improve the quality and safety of all those effected by food allergies. A full line of allergy safety products has been assembled for Onespot Allergy.

My son was diagnosed with a severe food allergy to tree-nuts at age two. He is now four and has so far avoided any major reactions. It takes strict vigilance when dealing with young children and food allergies. The risk of cross contamination is everywhere. For this reason I am always on the look out for helpful products that may help keep my son safe from the hidden dangers of food allergies.

Though we rarely have anything with nuts in our home, my husband has been known to hide a jar of his beloved peanut butter in a top cupboard for late night snacks after the kids have gone to bed. There are also those few occasions where we go out to dinner and one of us will indulge in a menu item containing nuts. Nuts have become a special sort of treat for us since they've been banned from our home.

While browsing through products on Onespot Allergy I noticed the individual stainless steel Toothbrush Holders. I am ashamed to say that it had never occurred to me that cross contamination could very easily take place just by placing our toothbrushes together in a single holder. Washing our hands thoroughly and brushing our teeth immediately after consuming anything with nuts has always been the rule. Here I thought we where doing our part to protect our son yet the risk of allergens being exchanged from brush to brush was right there.

After expressing my "lack" of knowledge to Elizabeth, she was kind enough to send me some of her Toothbrush Holders as well as her Allergy Labels and Towel Clips to review.

The Toothbrush Holders are a stainless steel tube that fits all toothbrush sizes, even my little guys toddler brush. I like the stainless steel because it matches our faucets which helped them to blend in with the decor. A suction cup is screwed onto the back in order for the holder to adhere to either a mirror or tile. I placed ours on the bottom corners of the bathroom mirror. Its been a week now and they have all held very well. The only one I had a problem with was my husbands. If you have a bulkier sized toothbrush I would suggest wetting the back of the suction cup slightly before sticking, after that it should hold securely. My two boys are not the gentlest of creatures at ages two and four, yet so far have refrained from pulling or knocking them off the mirror.

Speaking of the boys, they love them. They tend to enjoy things they don't have to share. I love them because not only are they a great way of preventing the exchange of allergens but they prevent the spread of germs as well. We used the Onespot Allergy Food Allergy Labels to clearly mark their toothbrush holders. The labels come with a pack of 6 sheets, 25 labels per sheet. There are five colors to choose from, black, red, green, blue, and orange. Each of the boys got to choose a color label to place on their holder. This mind you is a very empowering thing for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Food Allergy Labels are non-toxic and meet FDA standards. Since the boys have already chosen their color of chose for their toothbrush holders we are now able to use those same colored labels for identifying other personal items that cause either the exchange of allergens or germs such as their reusable water bottles and snack bowls. I keep the red labels in the pantry to place on any items that may contain nuts. When Grammy comes to stay with the kids she will now be alerted to any foods in the pantry that are not safe for my son. Because they peel off without leaving any residue I figure by carrying a set of labels in my purse I am able to stick them to the inevitable serving bowls containing nuts at bbq's and pot lucks. Anything that helps to bring some added peace of mind helps. With the numerous uses for these labels you are sure to find a labeling system that fits your allergy needs.

Finally, I was given the opportunity to try out the Towel Clips by Onespot Allergy. These
1¼ inch circular tags, 16 clips, 4 of each color are designed for identifying which towel belongs to whom. If you have food allergies it is also important to use your own towel to avoid accidental exposure to allergens left behind. I did not use these on our towels at home rather I tried them on the napkins while out to dinner. I easily slid a plastic clip onto both of the kids cloth napkins, each sticking with the same colors chosen for labeling their toothbrush holders, in turn creating a "color system". This worked wonderful. The large colored clips made it very easy for the boys, even at their age, to identify their own napkins and to keep them separate.

I also found the towel clips to work well for identifying the kids cups while at home. They fit perfect on the rim of their plastic tumblers. While I could have used the allergy labels on their cups as well since they are dishwasher safe, the kids seemed to like the towel clips. Not only did this allow them to identify and pick out their previously chosen colors on their own but the larger size of the towel clip made it easier for them to identify which cup belonged to them without having to search for the label. With the use of the towel clips my nephew was also able to choose a separate color to identify his cup whereas with the labels this may not have been possible without removing a previously placed label and adding a new one.

I have attached Elizabth's video on these products and would love your feedback. If you use any of these products yourself or for your family let us know about it.


To learn more about Onespot Allergy and their products, visit their website at www.onespotallergy.com.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you Elizabeth Goldenberg of Onespot Allergy for  supplying the products for this review.

Is there a connection between Genetically Modified Food and Food Allergies?

What is genetically modified food? Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or organisms whose genetic materials have been altered using genetic engineering techniques in order to create a new set of genes. Typically, genetically modified foods are soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil which have been genetically modified by the insertion of a protein from a different organism to make them grow faster, bear more crop or create their own insecticide which otherwise would not occur naturally.

How does genetically modified food relate to food allergies? As many of you know by now, food allergies are an overreaction to a protein that the immune system reads as foreign and dangerous. With genetic engineering, the allergens form one food can be transferred to another through the transferring of proteins thus making an ordinarily safe food potentially lethal.

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't mandate pre-market safety tests nor are  human trials required before the approval of these genetically modified foods for human consumption. Yet in 1992 the FDA declared that geneticakky-modified (GM) foods were essentially equivalent to regular foods. Then why is it that countries such as Ireland, Egypt, Japan, and France have all either banned and/or enforced labeling laws on GM products due to scientific studies showing possible health risks associated with human consumption?

I also find it ironic that peanut allergies had begun to rise by 20% each year starting in 1997, just after genetically modified foods found their way onto U.S. supermarket shelves in 1994. Soy itself became one of the top eight U.S. allergens just about the time genetically modified soy was introduced to the United States around 1996. Soy allergies jumped 50% in the U.K. in 1998. This was also the same year genetically modified soy was introduced in the United Kingdom. Could this also explain the sudden increase in corn allergies as well? After all 86% of the corn grown in the U.S. alone is genetically modified.

The dangers of genetically modified food is just one of the many theories behind the cause of food allergies. The more we learn about theses possible causes the closer we may come to a cure and at least have the opportunity to make informed decisions in regards to the health and well being of not only our children but for ourselves as well.

A few recommended reads: "Seeds of Deception" by Jeffrey M. Smith and "The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick - And What We Can Do About It" by Robyn O'Brien

Do You Know What's Causing Your Childs Food Allergies?

As a parent with a child who has a life-threatening food allergy I know how easy it is to get so caught up in a cure and searching for ways to prevent future reactions that we fail to look for the cause. After all the safety and well being of our children is our number one responsibility as parents, right? But it was recently brought to my attention that far to little is being done to determine why our children developed these food allergies to begin with.

Why cant anyone explain to me why my son is allergic to tree nuts? It has been debated by doctors for years now but no one can agree on a specific factor. Matter of fact most pediatricians and allergist will likely dismay your concerns if the topic of why your child has food allergies is brought up. Maybe not enough of us are asking the question? Well I am.

I want to know why, from 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy increased nearly 18% among children? I want to know why, food allergies where unheard of when I was in elementary school? Today, I would be surprised to find someone who didn’t know a child who suffers from food allergies. Schools across the country are enforcing peanut bans. What? Peanut butter was a staple when I went to school.

Research reported in the April 1999 JACI (Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology) estimated that 1% of the population is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts. That's close to 3 million Americans! The prevalence of peanut allergies has doubled in the 5 years from 1997 to 2002 according to research reported in the December 2003 JACI. Why? Is it the peanut oil adjuvants in our vaccines? Are we "too clean"?

Studies have found a prevalence of milk allergy in children in the first year of life of around 2% to 5%. According to the Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America, it is one of the most common food allergens in children. Could it be the changes that have occurred in our milk supply? What about our food supply in general?

I have decided to explore the possibilities of Genetically Modified Food (GMOs), vaccines, the "Hygiene Hypothesis", and even how our own genetics may play a role in the sudden food allergy epidemic. There is so much information that is not being provided to us by our "health-care providers" (or government for that matter). As parents or even citizens, shouldn't we have a right to know? Even more important shouldn't we have a say in the matter?

I will post on each topic individually throughout the next couple weeks. I would love to hear your comments, concerns, and opinions. I also highly recommend reading the book "The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick - and What We Can Do About It" by Robyn O'Brien and "The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic" by Heather Fraser. Both are really great reads that just might change the way you look at both food allergies and your childs health altogether.

Joel Stein - Possible Food Allergy Advocate?

Joel Stein has probably become a household name by now for those in the food allergy community. If you haven't yet heard of him, Joel Stein is the man responsible for the article entitled "Nut allergies - a Yuppie invention". The article was published in a January 2009 addition of the "Los Angeles Times" creating a lot of negative buzz in the food allergy community.

In the article Stein accused parents of creating their child's peanut allergies as a way of getting attention or as he puts it, "Your kid has a parent who needs to feel special." You can see why the article didn't go over very well with parents of peanut allergic kids. In fact it didn't sit right with anyone living with food allergies period.

It is clear that the lack of research and knowledge on the subject of food allergies played a key role in Stein's opinions that, "it is strange how peanut allergies are only an issue in rich, lefty communities." However, Dr. Robert A. Wood author of "Food Allergies for Dummies" writes that "some of the highest rates of asthma and allergies are in the inner city...". This
suggesting that food allergies are increasing across the country, across social classes, and across all racial divides.

Obviously also unaware of the fact that even the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) doesn't track the number of deaths caused by food allergies. Stein went on to claim, "Since food allergies kill about as many people as lightning strikes each year" we probably don't need  to put "may contain" warning labels on products. He also deemed it unnecessary to ban peanuts from schools.

Here is the twist. Joel Stein recently wrote an article for "TIME Magazine" appropriately entitled, "A Nut Allergy Skeptic Learns the Hard Way". It is in this article that Stein announces that his 1 year old son had been diagnosed with a nut allergy.

Upon reading this new article I have to admit I did have a brief moment of joy as I thought to myself, "karma is a bitch." This feeling was short lived though as I then thought of his son and how he, as well as every other child with food allergies, didn't ask for this. I then started to view Joel Stein as one of us. He is now the father of a child with a life-threatening food allergy. Does he know yet what he has stepped into? Probably not.

It will take some time before Stein and his wife really realize the challenges of having a food allergic child. Stein writes, "We're not banning nuts from our house, and we aren't going to send Laszlo to a nut-free school." Only time will tell.

My hope is that Stein will now use his platform as a way to educate others and create awareness about food allergies. He has the opportunity to become a powerful advocate for our children. Having publicly been on the opposing side of this new epidemic I beleive Stein has the ability of getting the message through to people we as a community otherwise would not be capable of reaching.

That said, I wish the Stein family the best of luck!

Finding an Allergy Aware school

Sending a child to school for the first time can be exciting but for those with children who have food allergies this can be very scary. It is important to find a school that is capable of meeting your child's needs.

I have compiled a list of possible questions to ask when searching for an allergy aware school. Be aware of the manner in which your questions are answered. Try and find a school based on how comfortable you feel regarding, not only their knowledge of food allergies, but also their willingness to communicate and adapt to your child's needs.

• If your child will be eating lunch at school ask for a copy of the lunch menu. Even if your child brings their own lunch it is important to be aware of what others around him will be eating.

• Ask about peanut/allergen free lunch tables. If these are an option you may want to ask if they have a lunch buddy system to ensure your child isn't left alone at the table feeling isolated from their classmates.

• How are classroom celebrations and other classroom activities such as field trips conducted? Do children bring in food from home? Is an ingredient list/label required for foods brought into the classroom? Will you be able to attend classroom celebrations and/or chaperon field trips?

• Who is trained to use the epi-pen? It should be more then just the school nurse. The nurse isn't always on site or may be unavailable.

• You will also want to know where the epi-pens and other medicines are stored and who has access to them. If they are kept in a locked room, cabinet or drawer, who has the key? What if that person is gone for the day or unavailable?

• What is the plan for accessing medications during a disaster or school lock-down? Is this practiced as part of their emergency drills? Also be aware of the ingredients in your child's earthquake/emergency food supply kit if applicable.

• If your child will be riding the bus, is there a no food rule for the bus? Is the bus driver trained in recognizing an allergic reaction and in using the epi-pen?

For additional information view: School Guidelines For Managing Students With Food Allergies.

Another helpfull resource is the book "How to Manage Your Child's Life-Threatening Food Allergies" by Linda Coss. There is an entire chapter on Preschool as well as a chapter on School and Day Care.

If you know of a school that is doing an outstanding job in the way they handle food allergies let me know! Provide the name and location of the school along with a brief summary of why you think they should make our list of Peanut/Tree-nut free and Allergy friendly schools.

Label Reading

Shopping with food allergies can be a daunting task. Strict avoidance of your allergen(s) is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. The best way in avoiding these allergens is by diligent label reading.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food manufacturers to list common food allergens in "simple terms" on labels taking some of the guesswork out of label reading. The top eight food allergens included in the labeling requirements set in place by FALCPA are: Eggs, Fish, Milk, Peanuts, Shellfish, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Wheat. These allergens must either be listed after the  ingredient that contains the allergen or as a blanket list following the ingredient list i.e. "contains".

Manufacturers are not required to include warnings about food allergens accidentally introduced during manufacturing or packaging though some companies voluntarily list these in an advisory such as "manufactured in a factory that also processes..." or "may contain".
Do not rely on these advisory labels as they are not mandatory.

•  It may be helpful to carry a list of alternative names for your allergen(s) in case the manufacturer overlooked the required use of "simple terms" in the list of ingredients.

•  Read the labels every time, even on products you purchase on a regular bases. It is possible that the ingredients have changed or the label has been updated. Also note that different sizes of the same product (ex. mini candy bars vs the regular or king sized) are often made with different ingredients and/or processed in different facilities.

• Never go by the front of the label. The FDA has few rules for terms like "gluten-free". Sometimes packages make claims as being free from allergens your allergic to but are manufactured on shared lines as allergens.

• Last but not least, when in doubt call the manufacturer.

Energy/Enhancement Drinks and Milk Allergies

Beware of energy and enhancement drinks that may contain whey protein such as the new Gatorade Recover 03 and some varieties of Crystal Light Enhanced. Read these labels carefully and be sure to check with manufacturers of these "sports" drinks about possibilities of cross-contamination. Just another thing to watch out for in the wonderful world of food allergies.

Other related posts:  
Finally some answers from Silk
Food Allergens In Unexpected Places
Could your Duraflame be more then just a fire hazard?
Reminder in the midst of the Hostess recall
Beware: The Maraschino Cherry

Beware: The Maraschino Cherry

My tree-nut allergic son has had maraschino's on various occasions with no problems but after learning about the use of almond extract being used to recreate the almond flavor of the original maraschino cherry I decided to do a little research. 

What exactly is a Maraschino cherry? Cherries where once marinated in a liqueur called maraschino. This maraschino liqueur was made from the juice, pits (which imparted an almond-like taste) and leaves of the marasca cherry. Thus, the maraschino cherry was born. They originated as a delicacy in Europe hundreds of years ago and where later introduced to the United States sometime during the late 1800's where they were served in fine bars and restaurants. By the early 1900's, maraschinos were all the rage in the United States. Various recipes were used; some including almond extract to try and duplicate the flavor of the imports.

These days the maraschino consists of primarily sugar, syrups and red dye (yum). Not much of a delicacy. However It's best to ere on the side of caution and read these labels carefully especially should you come across a high-end or gourmet varieties. I did contact Kroger (the brand that happened to be in my fridge) and they reassured me that there was no use of any almond flavorings in their maraschino cherries.

Other related posts:  
Finally some answers from Silk
Food Allergens In Unexpected Places
Could your Duraflame be more then just a fire hazard?
Reminder in the midst of the Hostess recall
Energy/Enhancement Drinks and Milk Allergies 

Grilling with Food Allergies

Summer is officially here which means the season for grilling is upon us. For most people this means good times outdoors enjoying the sunshine with family and friends and of course great food and BBQ. But for those of us living with food allergies a gathering of friends and family around the grill can lead to anxiety and fear brought on by hidden dangers associated with food allergies and barbecues.

Here are a few suggestions to make your next BBQ an allergy friendly event:

• Make sure your host and/or guests are aware of your allergens in order to help with menu planning.

• Arrive early and offer to help with the prep work. This will help to ensure that proper precautionary measures are taken.

• Ask to read all labels. Marinades and barbecue sauces often include unexpected common allergens such as nuts, corn, soy, wheat, eggs, sesame, and even dairy. 

• Always offer to bring your own allergy safe dish. This will not only guarantee you a safe food alternative but will also help to take some anxiety away from your host.

 Cross-contamination can cause a major concern when barbecuing especially when the grill in question is at a campsite or park.

• When possible use foil packs or a cast-iron skillet to create a barrier between the grill and your food when proper cleaning of the grill can not be guaranteed. Make sure to use a heavy-duty foil and/or multiple layers to keep the foil from tearing.

• Always cook the allergen-free food on the grill before any foods that include allergens.

• Bring additional sets of grilling tools, serving utensils, and serving bowls/platters. Remember that these are all potential vectors of cross-contamination as well.

Make sure to plan ahead and take extra caution and you too can enjoy your next BBQ. Have fun grilling!

Try these food allergy friendly recipes: Crunchy Oat Cookies and other Worry Free Treats & Meatless March - Spaghettie Squash Recipes

You may also like: Label Reading & Food Allergens In Unexpected Places

Angel Food Ministries - Allergen Free Food Box

It is no secret that food allergies can be expensive. A recent article in the New York Times
explores the heavy financial burden parents face when a child is given a diagnosis of food allergies. How can we continue to meet our child's special diet needs in today's struggling economy? Luckily there are organizations out there willing to help.
I recently came across Angel Food Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. Families are given the opportunity to purchase a $30 box containing approximately $65 worth of food (enough to feed a family of four for a week).
Organizations like Angel Food Ministries have been popping up around the country in hopes of helping families effected by today's troubled economy. There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications. But what sets Angel Food Ministries apart from others is their choice in menu's. They now offer a 5lb allergen free food box for $23. The box consists of frozen foods free from peanuts, soy, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean, tree nuts, and gluten. You can view this month's menu here.
If you have purchased an allergen free food box from Angel Food Ministries I would love to hear your comments about the food and their services.This just might be the extra bit of help some of us need to get back on our feet.

Update:
I contacted Angel Food Ministries with questions regarding cross contamination and labeling and received a response within 24 hours. I have attached a copy of their response below:

Hello,

The allergen food is made in a dedicated facility.  There is no cross contamination.
 I am not sure if they come with a full ingredient label but the ingredients are :

Battered with-water, white rice, brown rice, modified tapioca, starch, flax seed,
sugar, salt, spices, dehydrated garlic, spice extractives and oleoresin paprika.

Breaded with white rice, brown rice, modified tapioca starch, flax seed, sugar,
dextrose, salt, spices, dehydrated garlic, spice extractives and oleoresin paprika.

Eliminating the following food allergies- gluten-free) wheat, oats, rye malt & barley)
Soy-free
Peanut-free
Tree nut-free (walnut, cashew, almond, etc..)
Egg-free
Milk-free (casein, etc..)

Thanks and hope this helps!

The upside of food allergies

There is so much negativity accompanied by food allergies. Not being able to enjoy great foods that most people take for granted is definitely top of that list. You tend to get invited to far fewer dinner parties and other social events that are surrounded by food. For children this means fewer birthday party invites. It seems to be to big of a hassle to work around another child's needs. For the parent of a food allergic child this means being "that mom". You know the overprotective and overbearing mother that none of the other parents want to deal with.
Well I have come to look at my sons food allergies as some what of a blessing. We often forget to take a step back and see just how lucky we are. We are to busy focusing on the problem at hand, creating awareness, educating, fundraising, and finding a cure. This is the life of a parent who has a child with food allergies. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that is put in to these efforts. After all I am "that mom".
When forced to take a different view of my families life with food allergies I have to say it has changed our eating habits for the better. I believe most food allergy families are living this way. By reading the labels of every product that comes through our home I am able to say I know everything my child is eating. I focus now on more nutritional meals. There is no fast and easy anymore. I enjoy having to take the time to prepare a meal that I know is healthy and safe for my children. I can also say that I am more informed and involved with my son's school then I ever would have been. A parent teacher relationship is key to keeping a food allergic child safe in school. A good relationship with all of those who may at some point care for your child is also key. I think my son's food allergies has brought us back to the way parenting should be. There of course will always be those who may prefer to refer to it as necrotic parenting but I suppose I've been called worse. : )
This said I would just like anyone who has a food allergic child or is living with food allergies themselves to take a step back from the craziness and find something wonderful that has come from your experience. I know its hard and scary at times but there really is an upside! Keep up the good work.

What about the almonds?

I have heard that WhiteWave Foods, the distributors of Silk Soy Milk, has been bought out by another company who is now processing Almond Milk in the same facility and on the same equipment as both Dairy and Soy Milk. My son is allergic to nuts and we frequently buy Silk Soy Milk so naturally I was concerned about cross contamination when I heard this. I emailed the company in order to confirm this information and obtain information regarding cross contamination issues. Here was their response:

Thank you for your recent e-mail to WhiteWave Foods. We appreciate your interest in our company.We understand your concern with regard to shared manufacturing equipment and appreciate the opportunity to share with you our commitment to producing safe food products.

While our Silk® products do not contain dairy, they are produced at a variety of facilities across the United States, some of which process both soy and dairy-based products. Each of these facilities has a well-defined allergen control program, which includes the procurement and storage of raw ingredients, rigorous testing for the presence of dairy allergens in our finished product, and isolated production runs.

In addition, these facilities follow Good Manufacturing Practices, which are the foundation of any food safety program and provide the guidelines for sanitary operations, including the sterilizing and cleaning of manufacturing equipment. We understand that many of our consumers use Silk® products because they are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or follow a diet free of dairy. For these reasons, we are committed to providing a product that is 100% dairy-free.

Food safety is our highest priority and as part of our commitment to quality, all employees involved in the manufacturing of Silk® have a comprehensive awareness of food allergen concerns.We hope this information is helpful.Sincerely,
Denise Franco
Consumer Response Representative

Ref: N1017937

That's all great and wonderful but what about the almonds? I will continue to try and contact someone who can answer my question.

For an update on this post read, "Finally some answers from Silk".