Food Allergies 101

Having food allergies is a serious medical condition and can cause life-threatening reactions in people of all ages.  There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of contact with and ingestion of food allergens—and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to food—are important measures to prevent urgent health consequences.   For more information about food allergies, visit Food Allergy Research & Education's (FARE) website at www.foodallergy.org.

Emergency Epinephrine auto-injectors don't always work, even if delivered correctly. It is also important to remember that planning for a crisis is different than living it.   Patients in shock due to food allergies cannot always administer the life-saving medicine due to quickly advancing symptoms.  Additionally, If the injectors are exposed to extreme temperatures, their is effectiveness is compromised (review academic research at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Long-term+stability+of+epinephrine+dispensed+in+unsealed+syringes+for+the+first-aid+treatment+of+anaphylaxis)

While food labels in the United States have improved over the years, they do not always reflect 100% of what is included in a food product.  Companies can use words such as "flavors" or "spices" to account for potentially life-threatening ingredients.  If a consumer is allergic to anything beyond (what the United States Food and Drug Administration calls the 'top nine") milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame, soy, and wheat, they will not be able to trust food labels in this country.  If someone is allergic to garlic and has a box of crackers labeled with 'spices,' it may not be safe to eat. 

Complicating the issue further, large food companies have factories in varying geographies, so one box of "Crazy O's Cereal" purchased at a local store may not be safe if another box is purchased in a different location.  Each factory may produce and share lines with other products, potentially jeopardizing a food allergy patient's safety in some cases. 

Food labeling is confusing.  Food allergic consumers often spend days or weeks, waiting to hear back from manufacturers if their products are safe or not.  

This is also a super tricky (sticky) mess.  Peanuts are legumes.  They are not tree nuts.  Tree nuts include (nut not limited to) cashews, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, and hazelnuts.  Having peanuts (or peanut butter) in a 'nut free zone' is not a violation of the school's rule.  

No.  These are different issues.  Life-threatening food allergies deal with a body's entire immune system, while a reaction to a food intolerance or sensitivity takes place in the digestive system. Unlike an intolerance to food, a food allergy can cause a serious or even life-threatening reaction by eating a microscopic amount, touching, or even inhaling traces of the food.  Both conditions require medical guidance and being vigilant.

Wrong.  People die from food allergies.  Food allergies kill people of all ages, races, abilities, orientations, nationalities, incomes, and backgrounds.  They die in airplanes, schools, resturants, homes, hospitals, and houses of worship.  People die from food allergy accidents and food allergy bullying. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/13-year-old-dies-at-sacramento-camp-from-peanut-allergy-despite-receiving-medicine/

https://www.phillyvoice.com/teen-dairy-allergy-dies-restaurant-buttermilk-england-byron/

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/schoolboy-arrested-after-pupil-died-from-having-cheese-flicked-into-his-mouth-at-school-a3584691.html

https://www.allergicliving.com/2018/07/02/college-student-who-lit-up-a-room-dies-of-severe-allergic-reaction-to-chinese-food/