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
…