Bring snacks, Epi-Pen
IU Registered Dietitian Lauren Bartholomew has a few tips to help keep you and yours safe from allergens over the holidays. “First, always keep your Epi-Pen handy in case of accidental allergen ingestion," Lauren said. “Offering to host or plan the menu are also good ways for you to know what’s in the dishes. It’s really about taking out the worry so you can enjoy a relaxing time with the people you love.”
Share your go-to tips by emailing Lauren at lautrumb@iu.edu.
Be the host
Offer to host whenever possible, and let people know what to bring and what to avoid. If friends or family want to help with cooking, ask them to read food labels carefully and wash their hands frequently during preparation to prevent cross-contact. Ask guests ahead of time if they have food allergies or dietary restrictions you should be aware of. Designate a space for allergen-free foods and include an ingredient card with each dish.
If guests will be contributing to the meal, make sure everyone who prepares, handles, and serves food you will eat knows to use separate utensils, dishes, and cutting boards.
Offer to co-host
Dining at someone else’s place? Offer to help menu plan, shop for ingredients, and cook. Consider bringing your own dishes that are kept separate from the other food and be sure to take your food before anyone else to avoid contamination.
Restaurant dining
Look up menus ahead of time and bring your own premade allergen card for the chef/dining staff. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team also suggests avoiding buffets and calling ahead to ask about ingredient lists and food preparation. Chain restaurants are often safest because of standardized preparation.
FAACT shared that a *study involving one staff member from each of 100 different food service establishments; food-allergy training was reported by 42 percent of those interviewed. Regarding knowledge questions:
- 24 percent believed consuming a small amount of allergen would be safe.
- 35 percent believed that fryer heat would destroy allergens.
- 54 percent considered a buffet safe if kept "clean."
- 25 percent thought that removing an allergen from a finished meal (taking off nuts) was safe.
*Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.2007 Apr; 98(4):344-8.
Ahh, the holidays. A time filled with promise and frosty air, Hallmark movies and celebrations, and all around us, FOOD. While we love our seasonal treats, this time of year can be tricky for those with severe food allergies. Below are special Thanksgiving dining hall options and tips from our registered dietitian on safe dining this holiday season.
Apricot Oat Bars