5 Misconceptions About Food Allergies

As we head into Food Allergy Awareness Week, please take a moment to educate your friends and family about food allergies. SHARE THIS POST!

Misconception 1: Food is safe if it does not contain the allergen in the ingredient list.

Reading food labels is an important strategy to staying safe. While the top 8 allergens have to be listed in the ingredient list if present, companies do not have to make consumers aware of the product is made on the same lines or in the same facility as an allergen. An example: a company makes their nut milk products on the same equipment as their cow’s milk products. So for those individuals consuming cow’s milk but have a nut allergy, they could be at risk for a possible cross contamination. Many companies complete rigorous cleaning cycles in-between making those products, but the problem lies with the companies do not have to disclose that. To be safe you can read the label and call the company to inquire about the other products they make.

Misconception 2: Large amounts of the allergen needs to be eaten to cause a reaction. One bite of the allergen can’t hurt!?

It does not take much of the allergen to have an allergic reaction. For example, one can have a life threatening reaction from teeny tiny protein particles. These particles are so tiny, they can be invisible to the human eye. Every bite is important and every bite counts!

Misconception 3: Children never outgrow their food allergies.

Thankfully this is a misconception. While many children do not outgrow their food allergies, many children do. Rates of outgrowing allergens depends on the actual allergen itself. Many sources state that about 20% of children with peanut allergies will out grow their allergy. Keep the faith, it DOES happen!

Misconception 4: Food allergies are very rare and there is a cure.

This is a misconception that many of us wish was a cold hard fact, but it is not. Food allergies are more common than you think. Many researchers indicate that there are nearly 1-2 children allergic to food in each classroom. Currently, there is no cure for food allergies.

Misconception 5: When eating on a restricted diet, you miss out. There are NO good products out there.

Just because you are eating without does not mean you are missing without. The number of food allergy friendly products that are available today is much higher than a few years ago. Even big box stores are starting to carry delicious tasting food allergy friendly products. My favorite? SunButter.

Cindy Gordon is the owner and author of Vegetarian Mamma and is a foodie who loves to blog about gluten free vegetarian/vegan recipes. Cindy’s family is dedicated to finding/creating recipes and products that fit their family’s allergy needs.