Did you know about one in every 13 children have food allergies? That means on average, two students in every classroom are at risk for adverse reactions if triggering foods are consumed.
A food allergy happens when the immune system attacks a protein found in food that it mistakes as a threat to the body.
The most common food allergies seen in children are
- Peanuts
- Milk
- Shellfish
- tree nuts
- Egg
- Fish
- Soy
- wheat
If your child is diagnosed with food allergies, be sure to educate family members, caregivers, and teachers on the importance of taking it seriously. Teach your child to take responsibility for avoiding the foods that cause problems and consult a registered dietitian-nutritionist.
A registered dietitian nutritionist can help your family develop a healthful eating pattern while avoiding allergens and substituting as necessary to meet your child’s needs.
If your child does not suffer from food allergies, it is still crucial to be aware of the depth of the problem. For some, even a trace amount of an allergen can cause a severe reaction.
When preparing food for a group, strive to make it as allergy-friendly as possible. Be sure to ask if anyone has food allergies, and be willing to answer questions about the ingredients in your dish.
Looking for a fun, allergy-friendly recipe that the whole family would love? Try the “Watermelon Pizza” recipe below!
For more information on food allergies and tips for reducing the risk, consider reading this handy overview:
For more information on food allergies in general, visit Food Allergy Research & Education
