Easter can be a high risk time for people with food allergy.
There are lots of social gatherings with almost all involving food, including chocolate.
As it can be a stressful time for people with food allergy, A&AA has put together some tips on how to increase safety and still be part of Easter fun:
Chocolate
Find chocolate that is free of your/your child’s allergen/s. There are some chocolate manufacturers that have milk, egg, peanut and tree-nut free options. It is worth doing the research to find a brand that you/your child can enjoy.
- Have safe chocolate, sweets or other treats with you so that you can simply swap out for anything that is unsuitable for your child to eat.
- Vegan chocolate is not always safe chocolate for those with milk and egg allergy. Click here to read more.
A note on dark chocolate: Some people wrongly presume dark chocolate is ‘free-from milk’. Dark chocolate can contain milk protein or traces of milk protein. If you have a child or are a person with cow’s milk allergy, you might like to remind your loved ones of this in the lead up to Easter. Click here to read more.
Read labels carefully
- Remember to check labels. A&AA advise people to check the food label of packaged food at least three times:
- When buying the food
- When unpacking the food at home
- Finally, before eating, drinking, or using the food in cooking
- Make sure you read the statement of ingredients and all allergen information on the packaging. For example, people have read the brand “Dairy Fine” as Dairy Free by mistake.
- Remind your child not to eat any treats that they are given before you have had the chance to read the ingredient on the packaging.
Gatherings
If attending an Easter gathering with friends or family:
- Ask to see the packaging of all foods on offer and ask about ingredients in dishes provided.
- Keep cross-contamination in mind, as people who do not have to worry about cross-contamination may not be as careful as you are when preparing food to share.
- You can always bring a plate of food you know is safe for you/your child to eat.
Easter egg hunt
Easter egg hunts are risky for people with food allergy. There are usually no ingredient labels on the eggs. Speak to your child about the risks of Easter egg hunts. If your child attends a school, childcare or club where you think they may have an egg hunt, speak with staff about ways to make this safe for your child. This could include:
- Making sure all eggs are safe for those with allergy
- Making sure the child with allergy is aware if the Easter eggs are not safe for them to eat and providing safe eggs or treats for your child to swap for the unsafe eggs
- How you do this will depend on factors such as the age and maturity of the child
Remember:
- Public holidays are not a good time to be trying new foods.
- Have your medication and ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis/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.
Celebrations and food allergies
Travelling with food allergies means lots of thinking, research and planning. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia has useful resources, information and advice to help you.