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Food Allergies: A GrowingPublic Health Issue

Amy Jessup APNCoordinator, Carle Food Allergy Education Program

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What IS Food Allergy?

• A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to a certain food protein

• When the food is eaten, the immune system “attacks” the enemy food protein.

• Every three minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency department

• Reactions can range from mild to severe, including the potentially life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis

• 40% have anaphylaxis history

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Food Allergy is NOT…• An intolerance (lactose, gluten)• A toxic reaction (food poisoning)• A pharmacologic reaction• An aversion (he/she doesn’t like it)• Psychogenic

Think digestion problem vs.

Immune system problem

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Food Allergy is Different!

~ Reaction mediated by the immune system which is rapid in onset and involves allergic symptoms.

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SesameSoy

Cow’s milkPeanut Tree

nuts

Wheat

Fish (fins) Shellfish

Egg white

Common Allergens

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WHY? WHY? WHY?

• Several theories have emerged regarding increase in food allergy

● Hygiene Hypothesis● Gut Microbiome Changes● Processed Foods (developed

countries)● Avoidance of the Top 8 (LEAP

study)

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MYTH OR FACT:

• Any food allergy reaction can be deadly

• NOTHING can predict the severity of a

future reaction, including testing or past reactions.

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MYTH OR FACT:

• Food allergic persons can sometimes

tolerate “a little” of the food they’re

allergic to…

• In true food allergy, a reaction will

happen with even trace amounts of exposure.

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• Smelling a food could possibly cause a reaction

• Steam from cooked food

• Peanut dust

MYTH OR FACT:

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MYTH OR FACT:

• Peanut oil is SAFE for people allergic to those

foods

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Symptoms of Allergic Reaction12

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Itching, tingling or swelling of the lips, or mouth

Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea

Hives, an itchy rash, swelling of the face or extremities, skin redness

Tongue swelling, tightening in the throat, hoarseness, throat clearing

Shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, wheezing

Skin pale/blue, weak pulse, low blood pressure, confusion, fainting, shock

2 hours!

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Treatment- Epinephrine auto-injectors• Antihistamines will NOT stop anaphylaxis

• First line treatment for severe allergic reaction is EPINEPHRINE- EpiPen, AuviQ or Adrenaclick

• ZERO contraindications

• ***FOLLOW THE PRESCRIBED ACTION PLAN***

65+ lbs

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Illinois Food Allergy

Emergency Action

Plan & Treatment

Authorization

Spanish version @ foodallergy.org

• MEDICAL-LEGAL DOCUMENT

• WRITTEN BY PRESCRIBING PROVIDER

• DERIVED FROM ANAPHYLAXIS TREATMENT GUIDELINES

• EVERY FOOD ALLERGIC CHILD SHOULD HAVE ONE

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Restaurant considerations: • Eating away from home can pose a significant risk to people affected by food allergy. Research suggests that more

than half of fatal food allergy reactions are triggered by food consumed outside the home

• Potential areas of risk include cross-contact with allergens either in the kitchen or supply chain, incomplete

knowledge of ingredients by staff, lack of communication between diner and staff, and medically inaccurate

information about food allergy severity.

• National Restaurant Association Survey:

87% of restaurants believe food allergies are extremely important and expect increased attention to it

53% state they do not train their staff on food allergens.

• The impact of food allergies is both a challenge and opportunity for the food service industry

• Lost Revenue = $45 million/week

• Global Food Market for Food Allergy by 2020 = $24.8 billion

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Restaurant Requirements

• PA 100-0367 (2017) Amendment to Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act

• Illinois Requires Certification for Category 1 restaurants

• All certified food protection managers (CFPM)

• Recertify every 3 years

• ANSI (American National Standards Institute) 23 accredited programs

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PREVENT a reaction: Label Reading• Read every label every time

• Formulations can change without warning

• Don’t rely on “safe lists”

• Totally avoid all foods that contain food allergen on the label even if only on a precautionary statement like “may contain”

• Allergens can be in non-food items

• Soaps, shampoos, skin products, medications, pet foods, and many school products

– Refer to FARE “Reducing the Risk” handout

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FALCPA 2004

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Accidents happen…if one occurs

Follow the Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan prescribed by licensed health care provider !

• Take all symptoms seriously

• Follow your institution’s policy

•Do NOT delay in giving epinephrine

when required

• Call 911

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Illinois Undesignated Emergency Epinephrine Act

• Signed Aug. 15, 2011• Now allows for expanded availability in

schools, churches, gyms, restaurants (any public arena)

• Mandated in 12 states….Illinois coming soon• Allows ANY trained staff at the facility to use

undesignated prescribed epinephrine to ANY person on the property, regardless of history or presence of action plan, WITHOUT liability.

• Saving LOTS of lives!!• East Central Illinois = 85 schools, gyms,

churches• IS YOUR COMMUNITY PROTECTED?

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Carle Food Allergy Education Program

• Provide educational opportunities and act as a resource to healthcare providers in our area. ( through conferences, website, etc.)

• Provide free community education to schools, daycare centers, camps, etc.

• Assist with Emergency Epinephrine Act in Schools

• Local Support Group CIFAST (www.cu-foodallergy.org)

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Thank you, IEHA!

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Food Allergy Resources

● Foodallergy.org: Resource for up to date food allergy information, research, and education.

● IDPH Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act for restaurants

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/food-safety/allergen-awareness

● Snacksafely.com: Lists snacks that are safe and do not contain the top 8 allergens.

● State of Illinois Food Allergy Action Plan (PDF)

https://www.wrightslaw.com/info/allergy/Illinois.StateBdofEd.FoodAllergyEmerActionPlan.pdf