Do your kids have food allergies? Do you? Halloween is that time of year when you have to be more aware of food allergies. Often there are more treats lurking around the office or more treats coming into the schools either for parties or candy being passed out in classrooms. I know I personally have to be extremely careful at this time of year with my daughter because she has a peanut allergy. I will always remember the Halloween when she was two years old and walking behind me and she said “Mom, can I have one piece of candy”? And I said “Yes”, and then as I was turning around to say “just let me check it first”, she had already popped it into her mouth. Well, she soon broke out in hives and threw up all over! That was a Halloween none of us will ever forget and I have to say now my daughter (14) checks and double checks everything before she eats it. She has even acquired some sort of a turn off to chocolate candy items and I always wondered if it was because of that experience with a small peanut butter chocolate candy that made her so sick she will never forget it.
So, what are some strategies you can use if you or a loved one has food allergies?
- Always read the labels before eating any food items. Check and double check the ingredient list and if there isn’t a label, please avoid it at all costs. If someone brings a treat to school or to the office and they didn’t bring the label and are unsure of the ingredients then its best to steer clear. Always doubled check candy before eating it and make sure it has a label.
- Keep a stash of “safe” treats in a cabinet or drawer as your back up plan so you never have to feel left out or deprived. Also, plan in advance if you know who is bringing a treat and feel comfortable gently reminding them of your allergy and if they can please bring labels and be cognizant when baking.
- Be sure to have a plan in place if something were to happen and you were accidentally exposed. Do you have to have emergency medication on hand such as an Epi-pen or Benedryl? If you use homeopathic remedies, do you also have the remedies you need with you such as Apis or Nux Vomica?
Have a safe and allergy-free Halloween!
