What you need to know about food allergies:

• Food allergies can kill
• Millions of people have food allergies
• Food allergies are on the rise in children
• Tiny amounts of food allergens can be deadly
• There is NO cure for food allergies
• Staying away from food allergens is the only way to avoid reactions
• In the event of a reaction, Call 911 and administer autoinjectable epinephrine promptly

• Symptoms range from skin rash to shortness of breath to death
• Symptoms can appear within seconds or hours
• Get help right away – Call 911 and administer autoinjectable epinephrine promptly

Most common food allergens:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc.)
• Milk
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish
Shellfish
• Eggs

How to keep kids with food allergies safe
for parents

• Serve allergen-free foods
• Keep foods simple – allergens often hide in soups, dips and homemade baked goods
• Check food labels for allergens every time – food products may change
• Stop cross-contact – prepare foods with clean hands, workspace, utensils, pans and dishes

• Keep kids safe
• Teach children about their specific allergens and that they know to ask about them
• Seek support from family or community members
• Get involved in support groups
• Keep kids from trading meals and snacks
• Confine food to eating areas
• Wash hands and eating areas after meals
• Limit crafts that use food items
• Act quickly if a child reports feeling sick after eating

• When dining out
  • Call the restaurant ahead of time to see how they can meet your needs
  • Take along allergy medications
  • Tell the server and the chef about the food allergy
  • Ask about ingredients and food preparation
  • Beware of deep fried foods – oil may contain allergens from other foods
  • Ask for a fresh meal if there are any doubts

• Write out an Action Plan
• List foods your child cannot eat and a list of safe snack choices
• Outline steps to take in case of a reaction
• List emergency contacts
• Review the plan with school nurses, administrators, teachers and cafeteria staff
• Tell family, sitters, coaches and other parents about the plan
• Answer any questions and offer resources
• Include instructions in case of an emergency to Call 911 and administer autoinjectable epinephrine

How to keep kids with food allergies safe
for teachers and educators

• Speak with parents
• Listen carefully
• Learn how to prevent allergic reactions
• Know the symptoms of allergic reactions
• Review steps to take in case of a reaction
• Know parents’ emergency contact information
• In the event of a severe reaction Call 911 and administer autoinjectable epinephrine promptly

How to keep kids with food allergies safe
for food industry workers

• Take customer requests seriously
• Listen carefully
• Tell the chef about the food allergy
• Report back to customers how you can meet their needs

• Check for allergens every time
• Check recipes and food labels – food products may change
• Beware of allergens hiding in foods like sauces, soups, dressings and oils

• Stop cross-contact
• Keep orders allergen-free from start to finish
• Start fresh – clean hands, gloves, workspace, utensils, pans and dishes
• Double check orders before serving – serve only if allergen-free

• Spot a reaction, save a life
• Call 911 if a customer is in distress
• Inform management of the situation
• Stay with the customer until help arrives

For more information on Food Allergies log on to:
www.foodallergyinitiative.com
www.foodallergyproject.org
www.foodallergy.org
www.mochallergies.org
www.childrensmemorial.org

Ask Before You Eat Brochure [PDF, 586Kb]

To order program materials including brochures and wristbands, please call toll free at 1-866-277-0163