Peanut Allergy
Peanuts are among the most common allergy forming foods. Peanuts can cause a severe, potentially fatal, allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). The only current treatment for this allergy is to avoid all traces of peanuts and peanut butter or other peanut-containing products.
Now it may be obvious not to eat a peanut butter cookie, but many sources of peanut are not obvious. For example, peanut may be used in making egg rolls. You must also be aware of cross-contamination in kitchens – which occurs from using shared pans (the wok used for those egg rolls) or a peanut-butter-coated knife that’s thrust into a jam jar, leaving residue. There can also be issues of traces of peanuts in packaged or baked goods. When shopping, read all product labels carefully before purchasing and consuming any item. Ingredients in packaged food products may change without warning, so check ingredient statements carefully every time you shop. It is law that any product which may contain peanuts or even tiny amounts of peanuts must include that information on the food labelling. Some manufacturers will label their products as possibly containing traces of nuts.
Most people's reactions to peanuts are mild. The most common symptoms can include hives (rash and itching on the skin), extra eczema and vomiting. Severe symptoms are more uncommon. They include difficulty breathing due to swelling of the mouth and throat. If this happens, the person needs to have urgent medical help.
Now it may be obvious not to eat a peanut butter cookie, but many sources of peanut are not obvious. For example, peanut may be used in making egg rolls. You must also be aware of cross-contamination in kitchens – which occurs from using shared pans (the wok used for those egg rolls) or a peanut-butter-coated knife that’s thrust into a jam jar, leaving residue. There can also be issues of traces of peanuts in packaged or baked goods. When shopping, read all product labels carefully before purchasing and consuming any item. Ingredients in packaged food products may change without warning, so check ingredient statements carefully every time you shop. It is law that any product which may contain peanuts or even tiny amounts of peanuts must include that information on the food labelling. Some manufacturers will label their products as possibly containing traces of nuts.
Most people's reactions to peanuts are mild. The most common symptoms can include hives (rash and itching on the skin), extra eczema and vomiting. Severe symptoms are more uncommon. They include difficulty breathing due to swelling of the mouth and throat. If this happens, the person needs to have urgent medical help.