Food Allergen Awareness

Trainingby Kelly Mott

Happy Holidays!

As we enter a time of celebration and sharing, be aware

that those around you might be one of the millions of

Americans that have a food allergy.

What Are Allergens?

An allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a normally harmless element. These include, but are not limited to: Food proteins Substances

Latex Plants (poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, nettles) Fragrance (perfumes, contents in lotions and detergents) Metals Rubber

Aeroallergens Dust Mites Pollen Mold

Stinging Insects Drugs

What Are Food

Allergens? While more than 160 foods can cause allergic

reactions in people with food allergies, the law identifies the eight most common allergenic foods. Milk Eggs Fish (e.g. bass, flounder, cod) Crustacean shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster, shrimp) Tree nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, pecans) Peanuts Wheat Soybeans

Food Allergen Awareness at

Work and Home Although most food allergies cause relatively mild and minor

symptoms, some food allergies can cause severe reactions, and may even be life-threatening.

There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of food allergens – and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to food – are important measures to prevent serious health consequences.

To help Americans avoid the health risks posed by food allergens, Congress passed the Food Allergen Labeling and consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA).

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm079311.htm

What Are the Symptoms of

an Allergic Reaction? Hives Flushed skin or rash Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth Face, tongue, or lip swelling Vomiting and/or diarrhea Abdominal cramps Coughing or wheezing Dizziness and/or lightheadedness Swelling of the throat and vocal cords Difficulty breathing Loss of consciousness

What to do if symptoms occurAdminister treatment immediately if the victim has

medication (such as an Epi-pen)Seek medical treatment immediately! In severe cases, call

911

Severe Allergic Reactions-

Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis

Constricted airways in the lungs Severe lowering of blood pressure and shock

(“anaphylactic shock”) Suffocation by swelling of the throat

Each year in the U.S., it is estimated that anaphylaxis to food results in: 30,000 emergency room visits 2,000 hospitalizations 150 deaths

Food Sensitivities

Many people have difficulty digesting certain foods.Food sensitivity/intolerance is not life threatening, but can cause sufferers a great deal of discomfort.

Common Types of Food

Sensitivities Lactose Intolerance

The body can not easily digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This is not the same as a food allergy to milk. It can cause gas, belly pain, and bloating. Some people who are lactose intolerant can eat or drink small amounts of milk or dairy products, and others cannot digest milk products at all.

Celiac Disease A digestive and autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the

lining of the small intestine when foods with gluten are eaten. The damage makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients from food. Gluten is a type of protein found in the grains wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat-rye cross).

Common Types of Food

Sensitivities Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis happens when pouches form in the wall of the colon and become inflamed or infected. People who have diverticulitis are advised not consume nuts, corn, popcorn, and fruits with seeds like strawberries and tomatoes. It was believed these foods would get stuck in the diverticula and cause inflammation, but new research is showing this may not be the case. If you or a family member have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, talk to your family doctor about what dietary choices are right for you.

Ways to Keep Others With

Food Allergies Safe Keep your carry-in dish or menu at home for

gatherings free of allergens Tell everyone at the meal if a dish contains

and allergen Don’t prepare anything “exotic”. Keep the

menu simple with familiar food items Label items that contain allergens. There are

many products available as well as creative ideas on websites like Pinterest for labeling buffet foods!

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday

Season!Thank You