Food Allergy Resources

Totally avoid all foods containing allergens — even traces of those allergens — to prevent allergic reactions.

Educate yourself about food allergy management and then educate your family, your child, friends, school and community about food allergies.

Focus on what your child can have; not what he cannot.

Read labels every time and become familiar with the names for hidden ingredients in foods your child needs to avoid.

Prepare and choose foods that are not cross contaminated with allergens your child needs to avoid.

Don't ever assume that a food item is allergen-free without reading the label or verifying its safety with whoever prepared it.

Find a board-certified allergist or pediatric allergist for diagnosis and management of your child's food allergies.

Work with your child's doctors to develop a food allergy action plan to treat an allergic reaction.

Work with your schools, daycares, preschools, and other places that care for your child to develop a plan to reduce exposure to your child's allergens.

Have emergency medicines available at all times.

Consider having your child wear an emergency medical identification bracelet.

Work closely with your doctors and don't hesitate to seek guidance from a registered dietitian to help maintain your child's nutritionally-balanced diet — removing foods from a child's diet can result in nutritional deficiencies.

Work with your pharmacist to help select medications and health products that do not include your child's allergens.

Teach your child, in an age-appropriate way, how to be responsible for his food allergies.  Involve him in meal preparation, grocery shopping, and label reading — and teach him how to refuse food that a parent or responsible caregiver hasn't approved in advance.

Make sure your child understands why she can't eat the same things as her siblings/friends/family.