Updated September 2024
When you or someone you care for has a food allergy, being prepared can make all the difference!
Public holidays and celebrations (for example Christmas, New Year, Eid, Diwali) can mean decisions and plans can be made or changed at short notice. You may decide to stay longer than intended at a family or friend’s home or take up an unexpected offer to visit those you’ve not had time to see during the year.
Below is a list of things you can do to reduce risk while joining in the fun of celebrations and public holidays. These are extra to your usual everyday ways to reduce risk.
Hidden allergens
- Don’t forget when visiting family and friends that even a seemingly simple foods may contain allergens
- A salad may be garnished with chopped nuts, sesame seeds or anchovies.
- A salad dressing may contain egg and/or milk ingredients.
- Cookies or cakes may contain nut flours.
- Stuffing – check the ingredients every time. Stuffing (for example, chicken or turkey stuffing) can contain nuts, egg, milk and wheat.
- People are creative when it comes to food preparation – ask about food ingredients if it is not labelled
Treats
- Have some appropriate foods (including treats) available so that those with food allergy do not feel left out or tempted to take a risk they would not usually take.
- Bake and freeze in the lead up to the celebrations so that you can always find something at the last minute even if the shops are closed.
- People eat ‘special’ foods that are not eaten all year round during special celebrations, so make an effort to have some appropriate ‘special’ food for the person with food allergy.
- Stock up on snack type ‘celebration’ foods such as cakes and safe chocolate.
- Have a supply ready to accompany you when you go out.
Barbeques (BBQs)
- Remember when sharing a barbeque
- Use a sheet of foil or a specially designed BBQ liner to cook food that is for the person with the food allergy
- Request that their food is cooked on the foil/liner at the start before anything else is cooked
- Foods on the BBQ often contain allergens or are covered in marinades that contain allergens
- Cross contamination can occur through splattering, shared use of utensils as well as the BBQ plate itself.
Drinks
- Remember that alcohol can lessen your ability to make good food choices.
- Alcohol can also make an allergic reaction worse than it otherwise would have been.
- Drinks, including alcohol can contain allergens so be aware and always check. You may wish to take along your own drinks which you know are ok.
For a last minute special dessert:
- Use ice cream that is appropriate for the person with the food allergy
- Spoon the softened ice cream into a shaped cake tin/mould
- Return to the freezer for a least an hour and when ready to serve
- Carefully remove from the cake tin/mould by running a warm knife around the edges
- Decorate with sprinkles or appropriate lollies
- Remember, check ingredients of all components
Remember:
- Public holidays are not a good time to be trying new foods.
- Have your medication and ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis or Allergic Reactions with you everywhere you go.
- If you don’t have your adrenaline (epinephrine) injector with you, do not eat.
- Always take your two adrenaline injectors with you when going on holidays. Don’t leave one at school, childcare or work over the holiday break.
- Ensure you have filled any prescriptions prior to the holidays and keep a list of emergency doctors and pharmacies which will be open longer hours.
- Find out if your GP clinic times change during the holidays.
Holidays away
- Find out what mobile phone coverage/ reception you will have at your holiday location
- If camping, find out the exact location of the camp and access to the site
- Check out where doctors’ surgeries and local hospitals are in relation to where you are staying
- For more tips on holidays with allergies, visit our travel section.