Avoiding Food Allergens

An allergen is anything that causes an allergic reaction, such as certain foods. People can be allergic to almost any food, but for labelling purposes the most common food allergens are known as “priority” or “major” allergens. There are different ways to come in contact with a food allergen, such as: eating, touching and in rare cases, inhaling the food protein. Contact with the nose and eyes can also cause a reaction. Understanding how to avoid contact with a food allergen will help prevent allergic reactions.
Oral ingestion (mouth)

Eating an allergen causes most serious reactions. Other ways that allergens could be ingested are through saliva (e.g. kissing) or cross-contamination. Even ingesting a small amount of a food allergen can cause a reaction. Most of these reactions can be prevented by reading labels and taking steps to prevent cross-contamination.  
Skin contact (touch)

Skin contact can cause hives or other skin symptoms where the allergen touches the skin. In most cases, healthy skin does a good job of keeping allergens out of our bodies, and serious reactions from skin contact are rare. If an allergen comes in contact with skin, wash it off to decrease the chance that it will accidentally get into the mouth, eyes or nose (where it can possibly cause a more serious reaction). This is why washing hands before eating or touching the eyes, nose or mouth is important. Keep in mind that people, especially young children, frequently touch their mouths, as well as their eyes and nose. 
Inhalation (breathing in)

In some cases, allergic reactions can happen when food proteins are inhaled through the air, such as:
  • In steam from cooking food (e.g. sizzling fish)
  • When food in a powdered form is released into the air (e.g. blowing powdered milk)
  • When small amounts get into the air when food is crushed or ground.
These reactions are usually mild, but in rare cases people have had severe reactions.
The smell of a food alone cannot cause an allergic reaction. The smell is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are not proteins.

Teaching children

Here are some simple rules to teach your child and things for them to keep in mind:
  • Wash your hands before eating or touching your nose, eyes or mouth. 
  • Only eat food that is made for you. It’s not safe to share food.    
  • Don’t share spoons, forks, knives, cups, bottles or straws.

Remember:
  • The smell of a food does not cause an allergic reaction.
  • Healthy skin is like a wall or a “barrier”. It helps protect your body from allergens that can harm you. If you get an allergen on your skin, ask an adult for help, clean it off and wash your hands.
Make hand-washing fun for young kids - sing a song that lasts about 30 seconds.