Food Allergy at Home

Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction

This year’s theme for National Food Safety Education is “Take Action to Prevent an Allergic Reaction.”  More than 50 million people suffer from allergies.  12 million people in the U.S. have food allergies.  You can take steps in your everyday eating practices to prevent an allergic reaction if you have food allergies.

Know the Facts – the most common food allergens are:

1. soy products
2. wheat
3. eggs and egg products
4. peanuts
5. tree nuts
6. fish
7. shellfish and
8. milk and dairy products.

Be Aware –

1. read the labels when purchasing food items
2. ask questions at restaurants when eating out
3. prevent cross-contamination at home by washing hands often and sanitizing food preparation surfaces between uses.

Be Prepared – recognize symptoms:  hives, abdominal cramps, shortness of breath, tingling sensation in the mouth, tightening of throat, rash.  The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends the following:

Be S.A.F.E.

Seek immediate medical attention

Identify the Allergen

Follow up with a specialist

Carry Epinephrine for emergencies

For more information about food allergies, please check the following websites:

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network:  www.foodallergy.org
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:  www.acaai.org/public