The holiday season is a time of food and festivities, but people with food allergies need to exercise caution at holiday parties and dinners to avoid an allergic reaction.
Allergy triggers such as eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and milk are common ingredients in holiday dishes from cakes to entrees to sauces. People with food allergies also need to be wary of hidden sources of allergens such as cooking oil, egg washes, pastes, breading and garnishes.
A rule of thumb: Don't assume that a food contains only traditional ingredients that you know are safe. Individuals with peanut allergies, for example, might be surprised to learn that egg rolls can be sealed with peanut butter or cooked in peanut oil; peanuts are also used in many stuffings and sauces.
The best way to prevent a potentially serious allergic reaction is to avoid questionable foods, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The AAAAI also offers these pointers for helping people with food allergies safely enjoy the season:
Avoid these party foods if you're allergic to their main ingredients, such as eggs, milk, wheat and nuts:
Baked goods
Eggnog
Fruitcake
Meatballs
Cheese
Quiches
Dressings and dips
Mixed nuts
Ice cream
Read ingredient labels carefully.
Homemade dishes do not have ingredient lists and can be cross-contaminated with small amounts of allergenic foods, so consider skipping these dishes, unless you know how they are prepared.
If your child has food allergies, pack an extra snack when there are school parties so your child will have something to eat during the event.
Bring self-injectable epinephrine to holiday events as a safety precaution.
