Tips for Managing Specific Food Allergies Milk, Egg, Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish/Shellfish, Soy, Wheat Traveling with Food Allergies Other Resources E-mail this Information to A Friend Other Topics in
Consumer Focus Archive The Basics of Food Allergies Food Labels Food labels usually list all ingredients in any given food – that’s why it’s important to
read labels. If you see one of your food allergens listed, don’t eat food. The problem,
though, is that a food protein can have more than one name. Different names for some food
ingredients, along with some tips for managing specific food allergy, appear below:
Tips for Managing Specific Food Allergies Milk Allergy
Other names for milk proteins may include:
Casein, caseinates, rennet casein Lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate, lactoglobulin, lactulose Some hidden sources of milk:
Many restaurants put butter on steaks after they have been grilled for extra flavor but
butter it is not visible after it melts. Some brands of tuna fish contain casein (a milk protein). Some meats contain casein as a binder – be sure to check labels carefully. Deli meat slicers are frequently used for both meat and cheese products. Commonly asked questions:
Q: Is goat milk a safe alternative to cow milk? A: No, it is not a safe alternative. Goat’s milk protein is similar to cow’s milk protein and
may cause a reaction in milk-allergic individuals. Q: Do these ingredients (Calcium lactate, Calcium stearoyl lactylate, Cocoa butter, Cream of
tartar, Oleoresin, Sodium lactate, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, and Lactic acid) contain milk? A: These ingredients do not contain milk protein and need not be restricted by someone avoiding
milk. However, lactic acid starter culture may contain milk and should be avoided.
Egg Allergy
Other names for egg proteins may include:
Albumin (also spelled albumen), and meringue or meringue powder. Some hidden sources of egg:
Some commercial brands of egg substitutes contain egg whites. For you coffee drinkers – be aware that, in some instances, eggs have been used to create
foam or milk topping on special coffee drinks and are used in some bar drinks. These items may include egg protein: artificial flavors: lecithin; macaroni; marzipan;
marshmallows, and nougat. Most commercially processed cooked pastas (including those used in prepared foods such as soup)
contain egg or are processed on equipment shared with egg-containing pastas. Boxed, dry pastas
are usually egg-free…fresh pasta is usually egg-free, too. But, as always, it is important to
read label or ask about ingredients before eating pasta. Eggs are used in some salad dressings. Commonly asked questions:
Q: Is a flu shot safe for an individual with an egg allergy? A: If you are allergic to eggs, speak to your doctor before receiving a flu shot. Influenza
vaccines are grown on egg embryos and may contain a small amount of egg protein.
Peanut Allergy
Some hidden sources of peanuts:
Arachis oil is peanut oil. Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been de-flavored and re-flavored with a nutty taste,
such as pecan or walnut. Peanut butter, peanut flour. Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring. Cold pressed, expelled or extruded peanut oil. African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes often contain peanuts, or are
contaminated with peanuts during preparation. Dishes to avoid include: baked goods; candy; chili;
egg rolls; enchilada sauces; flavoring; marzipan; nougat, and sunflower seeds. Foods sold in bakeries and ice cream shops are often in contact with peanuts. Many brands of sunflower seeds are produced on equipment also used for peanuts. Keep in mind most experts recommend peanut-allergic individuals avoid tree nuts. Learn More Man Health Issues At http://todays-man-health-advocate.com Commonly asked questions:
Q: Can a peanut allergy be outgrown? A: Recent studies indicate up to 20 percent of children diagnosed with a peanut allergy outgrow
it.
Note: Peanuts can be found in many foods – check all labels carefully as they can cause severe
allergic reactions. If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine, be sure to carry it with you at
all times. Individuals allergic to peanuts are often told to avoid tree nuts as well.
Tree Nut Allergy
Some hidden sources of tree nuts:
Artificial nuts can be peanuts that have been de-flavored and re-flavored with a nutty taste,
such as a pecan or walnut. Mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring. Mortadella may contain pistachios. Tree nuts have been used in many foods including barbecue sauces, cereals, crackers, and ice
