We're still years away from dealing with food allergies at college. I have heard from friends, though, that many campuses have set up food allergy policies. This article, in the Miami Hurricane, student newspaper of the University of Miami, features food allergy issues.
FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) recently started a site where parents and students can find out how food allergy friendly campuses are. You enter the name of the university and search. The FAAN College Network seems to be fairly new with limited data at this time. But, check back as more campuses provide information. This could be a great tool for families. I love the concept.
Have any of you dealt with food allergies and colleges? What's it been like?
Friday, 30 October 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Getting Enough Vitamin D
A recent study out of Harvard reveals that one in five children between the ages of one and eleven, are not getting enough Vitamin D. We need vitamin D to help maintain calcium levels to keep our bones strong. It also turns out that this vitamin might help prevent serious diseases, including infections, osteoporosis, diabetes and even some cancers.
It's important.
For people with food allergies, getting enough vitamin D may be challenging. In the U.S., milk is fortified with Vitamin D. For the dairy allergic, getting vitamin D by drinking milk is not an option. Turns out, milk alone (even 8 glasses a day!) is not an adequate source. A glass of milk typically contains 50-100 IU. We may need between 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D. Research is ongoing to pinpoint the daily requirement of Vitamin D.
Good natural sources of Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Sunlight is a source of the vitamin as well. Of course excessive sun exposure can cause other problems, so be sensible.
If you're concerned about Vitamin D, talk to your doctor and see if a supplement might be beneficial.
It's important.
For people with food allergies, getting enough vitamin D may be challenging. In the U.S., milk is fortified with Vitamin D. For the dairy allergic, getting vitamin D by drinking milk is not an option. Turns out, milk alone (even 8 glasses a day!) is not an adequate source. A glass of milk typically contains 50-100 IU. We may need between 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D. Research is ongoing to pinpoint the daily requirement of Vitamin D.
Good natural sources of Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Sunlight is a source of the vitamin as well. Of course excessive sun exposure can cause other problems, so be sensible.
If you're concerned about Vitamin D, talk to your doctor and see if a supplement might be beneficial.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Miss Roben's, The Allergy Grocer, is Back
Oh, how I've missed you, Miss Roben's...
For those of us who have been buying allergy friendly foods for awhile, Miss Roben's was a one-stop shop. Only available through mail order, Miss Roben's and The Allergy Grocer, offered a wide variety of foods and helpful telephone advice.
Then came news that Miss Roben's was out of business. Many of us struggled to find substitutes for our favorite mixes and ingredients. Shopping several companies meant increased shipping and handling costs. It was a big loss to the food allergy community.
Then, finally a few months ago, brought news that Miss Roben's and The Allergy Grocer would be back- bigger and better.
Well, they're here. I just got off the phone with Seth. They've got an updated website and will offer live chat as well as online and telephone orders. The website will be involved in testing over the next few days, so it may go down from time to time. For this week, call in your orders (New Number: 1-888-476-3350) while they get the last few kinks ironed out. You can also sign up for their newsletter to receive special offers.
Go ahead, check it out.
Welcome back Miss Robens and The Allergy Grocer. You're looking good!
For those of us who have been buying allergy friendly foods for awhile, Miss Roben's was a one-stop shop. Only available through mail order, Miss Roben's and The Allergy Grocer, offered a wide variety of foods and helpful telephone advice.
Then came news that Miss Roben's was out of business. Many of us struggled to find substitutes for our favorite mixes and ingredients. Shopping several companies meant increased shipping and handling costs. It was a big loss to the food allergy community.
Then, finally a few months ago, brought news that Miss Roben's and The Allergy Grocer would be back- bigger and better.
Well, they're here. I just got off the phone with Seth. They've got an updated website and will offer live chat as well as online and telephone orders. The website will be involved in testing over the next few days, so it may go down from time to time. For this week, call in your orders (New Number: 1-888-476-3350) while they get the last few kinks ironed out. You can also sign up for their newsletter to receive special offers.
Go ahead, check it out.
Welcome back Miss Robens and The Allergy Grocer. You're looking good!
Friday, 23 October 2009
Food Allergies: A YouTube Sensation
Do you know there are over 2,000 YouTube videos devoted to food allergy? You can find everything from a mom conversation with Disney chefs about food allergies to recipes to back to school tips.
The ones I like the best are devoted to teaching children about food allergies. Look through the list and see if you can find a few that help your family deal with food allergy.
The ones I like the best are devoted to teaching children about food allergies. Look through the list and see if you can find a few that help your family deal with food allergy.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Flu Vaccine for Egg Allergic?
The Food Allergy Asssistant received many comments on the post related to HINI vaccine and egg allergy. There is much confusion and alarm for our children with egg allergies who are affected by the egg-based method for making flu vaccine. I've done more research and this is what I found:
There is much interest in a cell-based flu vaccine that would be safe for those with egg allergy.The technology currently used to make our chicken egg-based flu vaccine is over 50 years old.The new technology is animal cell based, rather than egg based. This process could save weeks in manufacture time and is less likely to become contaminated.
One company, Novartis, is close. They are building a plant in Holly Springs, NC with hopes of completion in 2010 or 2011. Novartis clinical trials of a cell based flu vaccine in the U.K. have been successful. The Wall Street Journal reports possible U.S. shipment of cell-based swine flu vaccine in December or January.
Let's keep in touch. We may be able to get cell-based flu vaccine this season. My hope would be that it goes to allergist offices first...
Check out this NY Times article regarding cell-based flu vaccine.
There is much interest in a cell-based flu vaccine that would be safe for those with egg allergy.The technology currently used to make our chicken egg-based flu vaccine is over 50 years old.The new technology is animal cell based, rather than egg based. This process could save weeks in manufacture time and is less likely to become contaminated.
One company, Novartis, is close. They are building a plant in Holly Springs, NC with hopes of completion in 2010 or 2011. Novartis clinical trials of a cell based flu vaccine in the U.K. have been successful. The Wall Street Journal reports possible U.S. shipment of cell-based swine flu vaccine in December or January.
Let's keep in touch. We may be able to get cell-based flu vaccine this season. My hope would be that it goes to allergist offices first...
Check out this NY Times article regarding cell-based flu vaccine.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Food Allergy Survival Guide: Monday Review
The Food Allergy Assistant loves to learn something new from a food allergy book. I just learned that eating raw dough from a gluten-free batter can cause stomach upset. The batter contains uncooked bean flours which can lead to the tummy trouble. I learned this while reading "Food Allergy Survival Guide" by Vesanto Melina, Jo Stepaniak and Dina Aronson.
I was asked to review a copy of "Food Allergy Survival Guide", which boasts "living well without dairy, eggs, fish, gluten, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat, yeast and more". Quite a tall order!
The first half of the book is devoted to food sensitivities. There is a conversation about the differences between food allergies, food sensitivities and food intolerances. For the remainder of the book, the term "food sensitivity" is used. The authors share a wealth of information in the next several chapters about how to read labels and manage nutrition planning. An entire chapter is devoted to wheat sensitivities and Celiac disease.
The second half of the book consists of recipes that avoid the top eight allergens. All recipes are vegan as well, which is less clear until the reader peruses the recipe section. The recipes will be a godsend for those who have multiple food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. If that same person follows a vegan lifestyle, this book is a complete match. Those with fewer dietary limitations, will be able to modify most of the recipes to bring in the foods safe for them and avoid those that aren't.
I found two pages in the back of the book to be of enormous help. They contain a chart listing vitamin and mineral needs at various ages and stages. This is so important when trying to meet nutritional needs in the midst of needing to eliminate major food groups.
So, does the Food Allergy Assistant recommend "Food Allergy Survival Guide"?
Yes. I believe this book should be one of the resource books for people dealing with food allergies. I don't view it as a beginner primer on food allergies. For those newly diagnosed, the interchangeable use of "allergy", "sensitivity" and "intolerance" may lead to some confusion. That said, I see it as a guidebook, in addition to other resources, to help those who deal with multiple food allergies.
Check out the book's website to learn more.
I was asked to review a copy of "Food Allergy Survival Guide", which boasts "living well without dairy, eggs, fish, gluten, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat, yeast and more". Quite a tall order!
The first half of the book is devoted to food sensitivities. There is a conversation about the differences between food allergies, food sensitivities and food intolerances. For the remainder of the book, the term "food sensitivity" is used. The authors share a wealth of information in the next several chapters about how to read labels and manage nutrition planning. An entire chapter is devoted to wheat sensitivities and Celiac disease.
The second half of the book consists of recipes that avoid the top eight allergens. All recipes are vegan as well, which is less clear until the reader peruses the recipe section. The recipes will be a godsend for those who have multiple food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances. If that same person follows a vegan lifestyle, this book is a complete match. Those with fewer dietary limitations, will be able to modify most of the recipes to bring in the foods safe for them and avoid those that aren't.
I found two pages in the back of the book to be of enormous help. They contain a chart listing vitamin and mineral needs at various ages and stages. This is so important when trying to meet nutritional needs in the midst of needing to eliminate major food groups.
So, does the Food Allergy Assistant recommend "Food Allergy Survival Guide"?
Yes. I believe this book should be one of the resource books for people dealing with food allergies. I don't view it as a beginner primer on food allergies. For those newly diagnosed, the interchangeable use of "allergy", "sensitivity" and "intolerance" may lead to some confusion. That said, I see it as a guidebook, in addition to other resources, to help those who deal with multiple food allergies.
Check out the book's website to learn more.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Homemade Candy Corn
Trying to find safe candy corn for your child with food allergies?
Good luck.
Nearly all of them contain labels like, "manufactured in a facility with peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and egg". So, when I came across Cafemom's recipe for making your own candy corn, I couldn't resist.
We did it last night. We only had green and pink food coloring in the house so they look like Easter candy corn, but they taste like the real thing. Honest! And they're jumbo size, which the kids love. You can cut them smaller if you like.
For those of us with dairy allergies, use dairy free margarine (like Fleischmann's Unsalted Sticks or Earth Balance) in place of the butter and Vance's non-dairymilk alternative for the powdered milk.
Let me know if you're adventurous enough to give this a try!
Photo: BOWL OF CANDY CORN
© Ingrid Perlstrom | Dreamstime.com
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Milk Allergy Desensitization Study
So, this is it. The final installment of 11 year old Brett's video diary of his participation in Children's Hospital of Boston's milk allergy study. He's been participating in a desensitization study getting small amounts of milk over a period of time. Six months have passed since he started. This video tells the end. Has he been cured of his milk allergy, or must he continue to avoid milk?
So, go watch it. Then come back so we can chat.
Go on...
Tick Tock
I'll wait right here...
See, still here.
Okay, so you've seen it? Cause spoiler alert right here. The outcome is about to be revealed.
Amazing, right? This milk allergic boy is cured! He can drink milk and is eager to participate in more food allergy studies so he doesn't have to read labels any more.
This is incredible news for all of us who care about someone with a food allergy. We're getting there. Maybe our kids won't have to worry about their children being diagnosed with food allergies. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
What did you think of the video?
So, go watch it. Then come back so we can chat.
Go on...
Tick Tock
I'll wait right here...
See, still here.
Okay, so you've seen it? Cause spoiler alert right here. The outcome is about to be revealed.
Amazing, right? This milk allergic boy is cured! He can drink milk and is eager to participate in more food allergy studies so he doesn't have to read labels any more.
This is incredible news for all of us who care about someone with a food allergy. We're getting there. Maybe our kids won't have to worry about their children being diagnosed with food allergies. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
What did you think of the video?
Update on the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act (S. 456)
Check out this article featuring the co-sponsor of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act which will probably be brought to the floors of the Senate and House "after health care reform is settled".
Hmmm...when will that be!?!
Anyway, in a nut-shell (pun intended), here is what the act would do:
(1) Tell parents they need to give the school information about the child’s food allergy.
(2) Individual plans for food allergy management, tailored to the needs of each child, will be created and maintained.
(3) Strategies will be developed between schools and providers of emergency medical services.
(4) Strategies will be developed to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens .in classrooms and common school areas.
(5) Staff, parents, and children will receive general information on life-threatening food allergies
(6) School personnel who regularly come into contact with children with life-threatening food allergies will receive food allergy management training.
(7) School personnel who regularly come into contact with children with life-threatening food allergies will be trained how to administer epinephrine when the nurse is not immediately available.
(8) Food allergic children will have access to epinephrine.
*
(9) A plan will be created to address the appropriate response to an incident of anaphylaxis of a child while engaged in extracurricular programs of a school.
(10) When epinephrine is administered, information will be recorded and parents promptly notified.
We really need a law for this? Isn't most of it just plain common sense and the given right for any human being?
So, if passed the bill would provide grants of up to $50,000 to local educational agencies that choose to implement the guidelines in K-12 public schools. It's got bipartisan support in both Houses -- the Senate bill has 28 co-sponsors and the House bill has 44.
Hmmm...when will that be!?!
Anyway, in a nut-shell (pun intended), here is what the act would do:
(1) Tell parents they need to give the school information about the child’s food allergy.
(2) Individual plans for food allergy management, tailored to the needs of each child, will be created and maintained.
(3) Strategies will be developed between schools and providers of emergency medical services.
(4) Strategies will be developed to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens .in classrooms and common school areas.
(5) Staff, parents, and children will receive general information on life-threatening food allergies
(6) School personnel who regularly come into contact with children with life-threatening food allergies will receive food allergy management training.
(7) School personnel who regularly come into contact with children with life-threatening food allergies will be trained how to administer epinephrine when the nurse is not immediately available.
(8) Food allergic children will have access to epinephrine.
*
(9) A plan will be created to address the appropriate response to an incident of anaphylaxis of a child while engaged in extracurricular programs of a school.
(10) When epinephrine is administered, information will be recorded and parents promptly notified.
We really need a law for this? Isn't most of it just plain common sense and the given right for any human being?
So, if passed the bill would provide grants of up to $50,000 to local educational agencies that choose to implement the guidelines in K-12 public schools. It's got bipartisan support in both Houses -- the Senate bill has 28 co-sponsors and the House bill has 44.
Monday, 12 October 2009
Silk Soy Milk: Monday Review
We first heard about Silk Soy Milk several years ago at the Cheesecake Factory...really. We brought little guy's food and explained to our server that he couldn't eat anything on the menu due to his food allergies. When she heard he had a milk allergy, she asked if we'd ever tried Silk's Very Vanilla Soy Milk. She said it tastes like a vanilla milkshake. You know what? She was right.
Since then, we've found Silk's regular vanilla flavor a great substitute for milk in the breakfast cereal. They now carry an organic brand too. I use Silk in any recipe that calls for milk. We love it in smoothies and it's great in my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Recently, representatives from Silk asked me if we would try their new Silk Heart Healthy. They sent me a coupon. Very tasty with the added benefit of phytosterols, a plant ingredient that helps the body reduce cholesterol. That's a great benefit for the moms and dads out there who have to lower cholesterol.
Check out Silk Soy Milks- dairy allergic or not. You can sign up for a 75 cent coupon from the homepage.
By the way, this is a photo of a shelf in my refrigerator! Any other Silk fans out there?
Friday, 9 October 2009
Friday Feature: mallergies
This week's Friday Feature is an interview with Marie-Ida, creator of a food allergy resource called mallergies. This interactive site focuses on the latest trends in food allergies. With their own food allergy apparel line, great recipes and tons of resources, you'll find a wealth of information. Join me for this interview with the creator of mallergies:
What is your food allergy background?
At the age of 6 months, I had my first anaphylactic shock. While my parents were away, my grandparents decided to introduce some new foods to my baby diet. My granddad gave me a pinch of jam, honey, caramel and finally peanut butter. Instantly, I stopped breathing and they had to carry me to the village doctor. That day, the doctor diagnosed my peanut allergy.
I am extremely cautious with everything that may contain traces of peanuts and/or nuts and always carry an EpiPen® with me. I believe I have managed my food allergies pretty well. I traveled, studied and worked for several years in England and Australia. I never felt different over those years, except sometimes when I am restricted with my food choices in restaurant, bakeries, cafés and bistros.
I realize that I eat healthier and avoid junk food or fast food as they often handle or contain peanuts and nuts.
What are you passionate about in the food allergy field?
I mostly like the exchanges with people who experience food allergies. By looking at blogs, forums, Facebook Groups, Twitter and websites, I see that food allergy is a topic concerning many parents, children, teachers, caretakers, medical staff, etc.
I also see companies trying to modify their production by asking manufacturers to apply allergen free measures. Science and medicine are collaborating and trying to find a cure and remedies. Environmentalists, nutritionists and dietetics are debating on several issues which may have caused the increase of food allergies in the last decades. Food allergies touch many fields and for those reasons, I am always passionate to read and learn more about this health issue and condition that I have.
What else are you working on in the food allergy area?
Recently, I started my own business and website about the latest trends on food allergies named mallergies. Mallergies’ approach is to prevent food allergies while offering reassurance to allergic people and informing their relatives and entourage.
By the intermediary of this e-business, I wish to reach more people who are connected directly or indirectly by food allergies, around the world. I know, by personal experience, that anyone affected with a food allergy condition can at some point, be frustrated about the restriction of eating out or finding allergen free foods. Dynamic, informative and complete, mallergies is the online resources to use and access daily from the comfort of your home.
To date, prevention is the only way to control food allergies; therefore, information must be accessible to everyone affected directly or indirectly by food allergies and intolerances. Allergic individuals will find information on a wide variety of topics : allergens, food labeling, news, product reviews, reactions, recipes, resources, symptoms, and much more.
What are your favorite food allergy friendly food staples?
I recently discovered a yummy cupcake store called Petits Gateax in Montreal. The chef is very aware of food allergies because he has peanut and nut allergies and guarantees that none of these allergens are presented in his pastries.
I also like to purchase foods through the CAC (Certified Allergen Control) (in Canada).
What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
My other interests in life are cooking, traveling, learning languages, writing (in French and English), reading and skiing. My friends and family are very important in my life and we love to get together for catching up, coffees or long dinners.
Thank you Marie-Ida for creating this valuable resource and for sharing your story.
What is your food allergy background?
At the age of 6 months, I had my first anaphylactic shock. While my parents were away, my grandparents decided to introduce some new foods to my baby diet. My granddad gave me a pinch of jam, honey, caramel and finally peanut butter. Instantly, I stopped breathing and they had to carry me to the village doctor. That day, the doctor diagnosed my peanut allergy.
I am extremely cautious with everything that may contain traces of peanuts and/or nuts and always carry an EpiPen® with me. I believe I have managed my food allergies pretty well. I traveled, studied and worked for several years in England and Australia. I never felt different over those years, except sometimes when I am restricted with my food choices in restaurant, bakeries, cafés and bistros.
I realize that I eat healthier and avoid junk food or fast food as they often handle or contain peanuts and nuts.
What are you passionate about in the food allergy field?
I mostly like the exchanges with people who experience food allergies. By looking at blogs, forums, Facebook Groups, Twitter and websites, I see that food allergy is a topic concerning many parents, children, teachers, caretakers, medical staff, etc.
I also see companies trying to modify their production by asking manufacturers to apply allergen free measures. Science and medicine are collaborating and trying to find a cure and remedies. Environmentalists, nutritionists and dietetics are debating on several issues which may have caused the increase of food allergies in the last decades. Food allergies touch many fields and for those reasons, I am always passionate to read and learn more about this health issue and condition that I have.
What else are you working on in the food allergy area?
Recently, I started my own business and website about the latest trends on food allergies named mallergies. Mallergies’ approach is to prevent food allergies while offering reassurance to allergic people and informing their relatives and entourage.
By the intermediary of this e-business, I wish to reach more people who are connected directly or indirectly by food allergies, around the world. I know, by personal experience, that anyone affected with a food allergy condition can at some point, be frustrated about the restriction of eating out or finding allergen free foods. Dynamic, informative and complete, mallergies is the online resources to use and access daily from the comfort of your home.
To date, prevention is the only way to control food allergies; therefore, information must be accessible to everyone affected directly or indirectly by food allergies and intolerances. Allergic individuals will find information on a wide variety of topics : allergens, food labeling, news, product reviews, reactions, recipes, resources, symptoms, and much more.
What are your favorite food allergy friendly food staples?
I recently discovered a yummy cupcake store called Petits Gateax in Montreal. The chef is very aware of food allergies because he has peanut and nut allergies and guarantees that none of these allergens are presented in his pastries.
I also like to purchase foods through the CAC (Certified Allergen Control) (in Canada).
What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
My other interests in life are cooking, traveling, learning languages, writing (in French and English), reading and skiing. My friends and family are very important in my life and we love to get together for catching up, coffees or long dinners.
Thank you Marie-Ida for creating this valuable resource and for sharing your story.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Grill Charms vs The Shark Tank
Back in April I reviewed a product called Grill Charms®. The idea was to use a stainless steel charm to mark grill meats for different cooking preferences or specific food allergies or intolerances.
A great idea, I thought. Well, The Sharks thought so too.
ABC runs a show called "The Shark Tank". It gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their businesses to major investors. Leslie Haywood and her Grill Charms® were featured on the show on September 29, 2009. Check it out. Leslie's up first. See how she did.
Have any of you tried grill charms to deal with food allergies? Let me know.
A great idea, I thought. Well, The Sharks thought so too.
ABC runs a show called "The Shark Tank". It gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their businesses to major investors. Leslie Haywood and her Grill Charms® were featured on the show on September 29, 2009. Check it out. Leslie's up first. See how she did.
Have any of you tried grill charms to deal with food allergies? Let me know.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Keeping a Food Allergy Friendly Kitchen
Children's Hospital of Boston brings us their latest video in the series, "A Cure for Food Allergies?". In this installment, Brett's mother shows how she keeps things safe in her kitchen with two food allergic children. Through labeling and color-coding items are kept separate for members of the family. They have a dairy drawer in their fridge like we do!
Do you have any tips for keeping a food allergy friendly kitchen?
Do you have any tips for keeping a food allergy friendly kitchen?
Halloween Can Be Really Scary for Those With Food Allergy
Forget the ghosts and goblins. It's the candy bars and packaged sweets that cause the most fright in our house.
Our rules for trick-or-treating are:
No eating anything until it is checked at home.
Let the giver drop the candy into the trick-or-treat bag to avoid direct contact with the candy.
I have special treats on hand to substitute unsafe candy with safe items. Most of these special items need to be ordered. With only 24 days until Halloween, the time to order is now. Check out:
Premium Chocolatiers
Enjoy Life's boom CHOCO boom bars
Amanda's Own
Chocolate Emporium
Peanut Free Planet
Divvies
Nothin Nutty
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates
All the unsafe candy goes to a local homeless shelter, lest it wind up on my hips!
Our rules for trick-or-treating are:
No eating anything until it is checked at home.
Let the giver drop the candy into the trick-or-treat bag to avoid direct contact with the candy.
I have special treats on hand to substitute unsafe candy with safe items. Most of these special items need to be ordered. With only 24 days until Halloween, the time to order is now. Check out:
Premium Chocolatiers
Enjoy Life's boom CHOCO boom bars
Amanda's Own
Chocolate Emporium
Peanut Free Planet
Divvies
Nothin Nutty
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates
All the unsafe candy goes to a local homeless shelter, lest it wind up on my hips!
Monday, 5 October 2009
Food and Food Allergy Resources
One thing food allergies has brought to my life is a greater awareness of food in general. I'm constantly asking "What's in it?", "How's it made?", "Where was it manufactured?". Fortunately, the Internet has made answering these questions much easier. I tracked down some fascinating sites for anyone who eats food:
The International Food Information Council has a great section devoted to food allergies. Bounce around the site, though, for other areas of interest such as food safety and nutrition. They offer a free online newsletter.
I recently posted a list of Food Allergy resources at Suite 101. You can find support, books and other resources. Let me know if I missed any you love.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a wealth of info including a database of over 13,000 foods and their nutritional information. This is especially helpful when looking for substitutes if cutting out major food groups due to food allergy. Also check this site for laws and regulations related to food.
Food Safety.gov is another super source for tips to keep food safe and prevent illness. You can subscribe to alerts and get e-mail notification when the government makes a food advisory. Just last Friday, an alert came out warning about high levels of lead in certain dried fruits. Who knew?
Find the sites that are helpful to you and visit them regularly, or better yet- sign up for their automatic updates. We all need to eat and we all need timely information to eat safely.
The International Food Information Council has a great section devoted to food allergies. Bounce around the site, though, for other areas of interest such as food safety and nutrition. They offer a free online newsletter.
I recently posted a list of Food Allergy resources at Suite 101. You can find support, books and other resources. Let me know if I missed any you love.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a wealth of info including a database of over 13,000 foods and their nutritional information. This is especially helpful when looking for substitutes if cutting out major food groups due to food allergy. Also check this site for laws and regulations related to food.
Food Safety.gov is another super source for tips to keep food safe and prevent illness. You can subscribe to alerts and get e-mail notification when the government makes a food advisory. Just last Friday, an alert came out warning about high levels of lead in certain dried fruits. Who knew?
Find the sites that are helpful to you and visit them regularly, or better yet- sign up for their automatic updates. We all need to eat and we all need timely information to eat safely.
Friday, 2 October 2009
Still Confused About Egg Allergy and Flu Shots?
Yes, I am too, but the most thorough recommendation I've read comes from my neighbors to the north. The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has issued a complete report with their recommendations. It covers both seasonal flu and H1N1.
In a previous post, I linked to US guidelines.
I'm still researching this and I'm still on the fence about it. After a bad experience with an egg challenge several months ago, it is hard to imagine going through that again. I continue to research and weigh options...sigh...
In a previous post, I linked to US guidelines.
I'm still researching this and I'm still on the fence about it. After a bad experience with an egg challenge several months ago, it is hard to imagine going through that again. I continue to research and weigh options...sigh...
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