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For those allergic to peanuts, it's best to avoid any type of nut,
since the possibilty of cross-contamination is high.
Also be aware when eating other foods from the same food group (peanuts
are legumes, the same family as beans, peas and lentils.)
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Peanut Allergy Tips
Food labeling has gotten much better in the past few years thanks to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
(FAAN). Thank you, FAAN, for your on-going work for improved labeling. Go to FAAN's website at www.foodallergy.org for more information on how to order their "How to Read an Ingredient Label" cards as well as other great items.
Many food companies now include such phrases as "May contain particles of peanut", Manufactured in a
facility that uses peanuts" or "This product contains milk and wheat ingredients", among others.
As a rule, it's best to avoid products that include statements like these
if you're allergic to those foods, even if those foods aren't listed in the ingredient label.
Why take a chance!
You should never give a food-allergic person anything to
eat without reading the ingredient label, and since labels can change at any time, read them everytime you buy a product,
even if it's the next day!
Always check a product's ingredient label every time.
If in doubt, don't eat it!
"If you can’t read it, you shouldn't eat it!"
- Candies - Plain and Peanut M&M's (even plain M&M's may contain peanut particles; obvious candies
such as Snickers Bars, Butterfinger and Peanut Butter Cups; not-so-obvious chocolate candies (last time I checked, Raisinettes
contain peanuts in the ingredient label. Many chocolate candy is risky no matter what type it is because of the possibility
that it may contain peanut, or because of the risk of cross-contamination due to manufacturing.
- Many baked goods, including doughnuts, cookies, pie crusts, etc., may contain crushed peanuts, peanut
flour or peanut oil. Also, many types of chocolate chips may contain peanuts or may be cross-contaminated with peanut products.
Check the labels!
- Some restaurant chili, spaghetti sauces, gravies, stews, and Mexican sauces (burritos, enchiladas, etc.)
and even refried beans may contain peanut butter for thickening, flavoring or smoothness. Some restaurants use peanut oil.
Some baked goods also contain peanut oil or peanut flour.
- Chinese foods (egg rolls & dishes with peanut), Thai Foods and many other ethnic foods.
- Certain ice cream treats (many ice cream products contain peanut or can be cross-contaminated due to manufacturing
procedures.)
- Hulled sunflower seeds - some contain peanut flour and/or peanut oil.
As a general rule, foods with dough, crust, sauce, or gravy are risky without seeing
the ingredient labels.
For further questions, write to info@foodallergyconnection.org
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