Food Allergies

WHAT THE FOOD SERVICE WORKER NEEDS TO KNOW BY RACHEL MATHISEN

What is a food allergy?

It is an immune response usually to one or more proteins in a food.

In a food allergy the child’s body identifies the protein in a food as foreign or invader and mounts a defense against that protein.

The body declares war on the invader by releasing chemicals like histamine and all sorts of symptoms can appear.

Unfortunately, it is the child who suffers

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance

They are not the same!

An immune response

The reaction occurs each time the child is exposed to the food

Only a small dose is required

May cause life-threatening symptoms

Usually the symptoms appear quickly

Not an immune response

Symptoms may not occur every time the food is eaten

Usually takes a larger dose

Uncomfortable, but symptoms are usually not serious

Symptoms may take several hours to appear

Allergy

Intolerance

Food Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a prime example.

People with lactose intolerance can have some milk products with no side effects

But people with a true milk allergy must avoid all dairy products and all forms of cow’s milk or risk having an allergic response.

Food Allergy Symptoms

Redness

Rashes, hives

Itchy eyes

Swelling

Asthma

Difficulty Breathing

Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps

Anaphylaxis

Death

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