Food Allergy Hidden Dangers
Food Sensitive? Avoiding Common Non-Foods Will Keep You Healthy
Feb 20, 2009
Reading labels is essential for people with food allergies. Be aware of the many food allergens hidden in non-food products. Read every label.
Reading food labels has become second nature to the millions of people who deal with food allergies every day. It also important to read labels of non-food products such as medications, cosmetics and soaps to check for food proteins. Be aware of the products used in workplaces, schools, homes and vacation spots you may be visiting. Here are some items to check out:
Dairy Allergy
- Watch out for milk protein hidden in prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many common allergy medicines in tablet form contain dairy. Some asthma inhalers also contain dairy.
- Pet foods often have dairy as an ingredient. Be aware of young children and the pet dish. Also note that a pet licking someone may cause a reaction if the pet has eaten food containing milk.
- Many products such as soaps, shampoos and lotions contain dairy.
- Paints for walls and furniture may contain milk.
Egg Allergy
- Be aware that tempera paint may contain eggs as a thickener. Check other craft supplies for egg protein.
- The flu shot (and any other vaccines) grown on egg embryos may be dangerous for those with an egg allergy.
- Egg protein may be present in shampoos, cosmetics and some medications.
Peanut Allergy
- Peanut butter is often used in craft projects to make items such as bird feeders.
- Empty peanut butter jars may be used to hold supplies such as pencils and scissors in classrooms.
- Some stuffed animals contain peanut shells.
- Many foods for small pets like hamsters have peanuts in them.
- Watch out for mouse traps containing peanut butter.
- Many edible seeds, such as sunflower seeds, are processed on the same food lines as peanuts.
Tree Nut Allergy
- Tree nuts are sometimes used in fossil digs at museums.
- Tree nut oils are very common in soaps, lotions, shampoos and cosmetics.
- Some stuffed animals contain tree nut shells.
- Toys such as bean bags and hacky sacks may be filled with tree nut shells.
- Those draft pillows placed along the bottom of a door may contain tree nut shells.
- Many foods for small pets like hamsters have tree nuts in them.
Wheat Allergy
- Store-bought Play Dough® contains wheat.
- Glues and adhesives from stickers, stamps and envelopes may contain wheat.
- Wheat may be used in home decor, such as wreaths.
Soy Allergy
- Soy may be found in vitamins and supplements, over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications.
- Shampoos, lotions and cosmetics may contain soy.
- Some crayons contain soy.
- Soy oils are often used in the making of linoleum, paint, plastics, soap, and glue for plywood.
Fish/Shellfish Allergies
- Some calcium supplements may contain shells from fish.
When in doubt about a hidden allergen, contact the manufacturer . Be sure your doctors are aware of any food allergies and remind them again when given a medication or a prescription. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network is also available to answer questions about hidden ingredients.
The copyright of the article Food Allergy Hidden Dangers in Food Allergies is owned by Joanne LaSpina. Permission to republish Food Allergy Hidden Dangers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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