I was doing a little restaurant research for our upcoming vacation destination and I decided to check out a casual dining chain, Houlihan's, to see what the menu looked like.
Houlihan's site requires you to specify a location with regard to menu and I did so. And that's when I saw it: the dreaded nut allergy warning (written in tiny type)--"We use nut oils and nuts in many of our menu items. Please alert your server if you have a nut allergy."
My first, wise-cracking thought was "Please alert your server--so they can have the ambulance ready!" I mean, come on. That doesn't sound like a good choice for the nut-allergic. All wise-cracking aside, though, I'm glad that the restaurant put the warning on the menu because my family will be sure to avoid that place. Imagine if we walked in, starving, and were seated, etc. and then Bam! We read the menu warning and have to leave. That can be jarring for the allergic family members and frustrating for all of us. So thank you, Houlihan's for the heads up.
That said--if you are so aware of nut allergies that you think to post this warning--how about cutting down on the nut oils? Nuts in entrees, apps and desserts are difficult to avoid and many people enjoy them as an ingredient, that's apparent from most American menus. However, nut oils I don't get. Why use them? Diners can't tell the difference. I know that peanut oil has a high smoking point, so cooks like it for fried items, but if MacDonald's doesn't need to use peanut oil, neither do you. And isn't it more expensive? Nut oils are also used in salads, but I still don't see the need. With all the talk of trans fats, etc., I hope these oils are on their way out.
My reason for the story is this: it pays to check out menus/restaurants beforehand anytime, but especially while traveling when you may have more limited choices. I would never have guessed that this casual, American restaurant was a hotbed of "nutty" menu items and the online research really was eye-opening.
Also, depending on where you are, the menu items for a franchise or chain can be different. One reader of this blogger alerted me recently that the Papa John's Pizza franchise where she lives serves a nut-filled dessert. This dessert is baked in the same oven as the pizza, so of course this reader wanted me to know about cross-contact risk. When I checked Papa John's web site, they do not say that they serve desserts with nuts, only an item containing Nestle chocolate and according to PJ's site, a chocolate product that is NOT processed on the same lines with peanuts/tree nuts. In fact, the site makes it look as if their food is safe for nut allergies--and I'm not saying that it's not. Just ask them before you place your order--it can't hurt!
So what's my point? If you want to eat at a franchise, I would say their web site is a pretty good starting point. But things can change, or the franchise owner near you may do things a little differently, so always ask the individual restaurant about ingredients.
I'll let you know how we make out on our trip next week!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Twitter Party on July 23 Hosted by Food Allergy Buzz and Best Allergy Sites!
If you haven't heard already, I wanted to let you know about a Twitter Party hosted by Jennifer B of Food Allergy Buzz (http://www.foodallergybuzz.com/) Ruth Smith of Best Allergy Sites (www.bestallergysites.com).
The party is July 23 and this time the theme is Back to School. There will be lots of expert panelists to answer your questions and even prizes! Click here to learn more, including how to log in and be part of the discussion on Twitter.
Back to school issues are a huge deal for food allergy families so I hope you'll check it out! I wish I'd had this community of food allergy folks to consult and commiserate with when my daughter began kindergarten, so get your questions ready. It should be enlightening...and empowering!
The party is July 23 and this time the theme is Back to School. There will be lots of expert panelists to answer your questions and even prizes! Click here to learn more, including how to log in and be part of the discussion on Twitter.
Back to school issues are a huge deal for food allergy families so I hope you'll check it out! I wish I'd had this community of food allergy folks to consult and commiserate with when my daughter began kindergarten, so get your questions ready. It should be enlightening...and empowering!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Goin' Coconuts!
A lot of you have had questions for me about coconut products, particularly because coconut oil shows up in so many foods such as popcorn, ice cream and many other foods.
Because of the name, many people believe that coconuts are nuts. In fact, they are a fruit. So if you have an allergy to nuts, you don't necessarily have to avoid coconut. For some odd reason, the FDA has recently put coconut under the umbrella of "tree nut." This is not helping with the confusion people have about nut allergies.
Big medical disclaimer: you can be allergic to coconut. If your doctor has advised you to avoid coconut, please do so. You can be allergic to fruits. So ask your allergist before giving an allergic person any food.
OK, with that out of the way: my message is that coconut is not a tree nut. If you or your tree nut/peanut-allergic child enjoy the taste and you don't have a fruit allergy, you can eat products that contain coconut or coconut oil--provided they don't also have a nut allergy warning or if there are other cross-contact concerns (such as the food was made lines with nut-containing foods, etc.).
My kids and I like the taste of coconut--in cookies, cakes and sorbets. Also, coconut cream or milk can be a great substitute for dairy in recipes, if you have a dairy allergy. Click this link for a blog entry I posted recently that contains a dairy-free, nut-free ice cream recipe using coconut cream.
A lot of you may not like coconut, but since people with nut allergies already have several limitations on what we can eat, I thought that it's nice to expand the list a little bit.
As always, if you're unsure of what's safe for your particular situation, ask your allergist!
Because of the name, many people believe that coconuts are nuts. In fact, they are a fruit. So if you have an allergy to nuts, you don't necessarily have to avoid coconut. For some odd reason, the FDA has recently put coconut under the umbrella of "tree nut." This is not helping with the confusion people have about nut allergies.
Big medical disclaimer: you can be allergic to coconut. If your doctor has advised you to avoid coconut, please do so. You can be allergic to fruits. So ask your allergist before giving an allergic person any food.
OK, with that out of the way: my message is that coconut is not a tree nut. If you or your tree nut/peanut-allergic child enjoy the taste and you don't have a fruit allergy, you can eat products that contain coconut or coconut oil--provided they don't also have a nut allergy warning or if there are other cross-contact concerns (such as the food was made lines with nut-containing foods, etc.).
My kids and I like the taste of coconut--in cookies, cakes and sorbets. Also, coconut cream or milk can be a great substitute for dairy in recipes, if you have a dairy allergy. Click this link for a blog entry I posted recently that contains a dairy-free, nut-free ice cream recipe using coconut cream.
A lot of you may not like coconut, but since people with nut allergies already have several limitations on what we can eat, I thought that it's nice to expand the list a little bit.
As always, if you're unsure of what's safe for your particular situation, ask your allergist!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Latest Food Allergies Blog Carnival plus a Wilton Update
Check out the latest food allergy blog carnival at Go Dairy Free. It has lots of great entries from food allergy bloggers about all types of topics, from recipes to the social aspects of living with food allergies. Also featured is my post Food Allergies and Restaurant Anxiety.
And now, onto another topic. I recently posted about Wilton (the cake decorating/supplies company) and how I was going to ask them to create a "nut-free" line of products such as icings, cake decor, etc. I sent them a very nice, positive e-mail stating that I'm a Wilton user and fan, but that they are basically missing an untapped market by offering so many products with nut allergy (and other food allergy) warnings. I asked if they could provide dedicated, allergy-safe products to their growing audience and promised them customer loyalty if they did so. Right?? We would all be thrilled.
I heard back from a nutritionist at Wilton today--unfortunately, they did not address this question. I received a rather defensive statement outlining their allergy labeling practices and how they go "above and beyond what the FDA requires." OK, that's wonderful, but my question about offering dedicated allergy-free products went unanswered. I wrote another e-mail and will hopefully be forwarded to Products and Marketing. If not, I'll contact them again.
Interestingly, they said they do thorough cleaning, keep certain lines separate, etc. But according to this nutritionist, Wilton will put a nut allergy warning on a food even if there is a "slim to none chance it became exposed to peanuts or tree nuts." I don't know what this means. Did one of the plant workers eat a Reese's in the last 6 weeks? Or are peanuts being processed near other foods that don't contain nuts, making it possible one could get mixed up into those otherwise "nut-free" foods? Their explanation still leaves me unclear on that one.
But in any case, that's irrelevant. I asked them if they'd consider creating dedicated, nut-free products--they answered a completely different question, not the one I asked. I have to say, they have been the most "circular" and confusing in their responses, more so than any other company I've contacted. And I've asked questions of a lot of food companies by now--believe me. They also gave me a wishy-washy answer about vanilla extract a few months ago. Ask them a straightforward question--you get an answer filled with mixed messages.
Too bad--I hope some company has the foresight to create dedicated allergy-free cake/cookie decorating products. Something tells me that it won't be Wilton.
And now, onto another topic. I recently posted about Wilton (the cake decorating/supplies company) and how I was going to ask them to create a "nut-free" line of products such as icings, cake decor, etc. I sent them a very nice, positive e-mail stating that I'm a Wilton user and fan, but that they are basically missing an untapped market by offering so many products with nut allergy (and other food allergy) warnings. I asked if they could provide dedicated, allergy-safe products to their growing audience and promised them customer loyalty if they did so. Right?? We would all be thrilled.
I heard back from a nutritionist at Wilton today--unfortunately, they did not address this question. I received a rather defensive statement outlining their allergy labeling practices and how they go "above and beyond what the FDA requires." OK, that's wonderful, but my question about offering dedicated allergy-free products went unanswered. I wrote another e-mail and will hopefully be forwarded to Products and Marketing. If not, I'll contact them again.
Interestingly, they said they do thorough cleaning, keep certain lines separate, etc. But according to this nutritionist, Wilton will put a nut allergy warning on a food even if there is a "slim to none chance it became exposed to peanuts or tree nuts." I don't know what this means. Did one of the plant workers eat a Reese's in the last 6 weeks? Or are peanuts being processed near other foods that don't contain nuts, making it possible one could get mixed up into those otherwise "nut-free" foods? Their explanation still leaves me unclear on that one.
But in any case, that's irrelevant. I asked them if they'd consider creating dedicated, nut-free products--they answered a completely different question, not the one I asked. I have to say, they have been the most "circular" and confusing in their responses, more so than any other company I've contacted. And I've asked questions of a lot of food companies by now--believe me. They also gave me a wishy-washy answer about vanilla extract a few months ago. Ask them a straightforward question--you get an answer filled with mixed messages.
Too bad--I hope some company has the foresight to create dedicated allergy-free cake/cookie decorating products. Something tells me that it won't be Wilton.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
FDA Food Safety News and the Cake Decorating Blues
After my food allergy labels post on Monday, I thought I would provide you with a link to some breaking news about the FDA.
The story does not mention food allergy labeling--yet. But I feel that the actions mentioned in this news story represent a great step in the right direction.
If eggs, tomatoes, spinach and yes even nuts are handled in ways that will reduce the risk of food-borne illness, it is my hope that accurate food labels will follow. After all, food labels are also under the umbrella of "food safety." How about writing to your state rep or senator and asking about this? You know, the squeaky wheel and all of that. FAAN has some tips on writing to representatives. These people do listen to us so give it a shot.
And while we're at it, I'm going to suggest that we all shoot off an e-mail to the Wilton cake decorating and supplies company. Newly diagnosed parents of kids with nut allergies are always lamenting the lack of nut-free baking items--I get tons of e-mails about this very topic. We are a growing body of consumers who need to bake cakes from scratch and we can't even get supplies to make them "pretty" in many cases. Divvies and Vermont Nut-Free Chocolate are great places for simple candy decorations or baking chocolate--but what about fondant and more elaborate candy decorations? Many times the only place to go is to Wilton products--only to find that they carry a nut allergy warning.
I'm going to e-mail Wilton and ask them to consider carrying allergy-safe baking/decorating materials. They certainly have a growing audience that needs this stuff and we (home bakers with nut allergy concerns) are certainly loyal customers once we find a product that works for us.
If anyone has some info on allergy-free baking goods other than the ones I just mentioned, please let us know!
The story does not mention food allergy labeling--yet. But I feel that the actions mentioned in this news story represent a great step in the right direction.
If eggs, tomatoes, spinach and yes even nuts are handled in ways that will reduce the risk of food-borne illness, it is my hope that accurate food labels will follow. After all, food labels are also under the umbrella of "food safety." How about writing to your state rep or senator and asking about this? You know, the squeaky wheel and all of that. FAAN has some tips on writing to representatives. These people do listen to us so give it a shot.
And while we're at it, I'm going to suggest that we all shoot off an e-mail to the Wilton cake decorating and supplies company. Newly diagnosed parents of kids with nut allergies are always lamenting the lack of nut-free baking items--I get tons of e-mails about this very topic. We are a growing body of consumers who need to bake cakes from scratch and we can't even get supplies to make them "pretty" in many cases. Divvies and Vermont Nut-Free Chocolate are great places for simple candy decorations or baking chocolate--but what about fondant and more elaborate candy decorations? Many times the only place to go is to Wilton products--only to find that they carry a nut allergy warning.
I'm going to e-mail Wilton and ask them to consider carrying allergy-safe baking/decorating materials. They certainly have a growing audience that needs this stuff and we (home bakers with nut allergy concerns) are certainly loyal customers once we find a product that works for us.
If anyone has some info on allergy-free baking goods other than the ones I just mentioned, please let us know!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Food Allergy Label Lessons Learned
I hope everybody had a safe, happy holiday! I wanted to share some experiences that we had over the holiday so that you can benefit from them and not make the same mistakes. :)
When we're out and about, we basically stick to popsicles because those seem to be safest for our daughter's nut allergy. Well, the other day at the pool concession stand (she and her sister like to head over there on their own--it's their new thing) my daughter attempted to buy a "Power Puff Girls" character ice cream bar. It had a nut allergy warning, so after reading the label (Yes! She's so good, she always checks) she returned it to the very nice boy working at the stand and exchanged it for a "Bomb Pop" (you know, those red, white and blue popsicles that are sold in the summertime.) Her sister even exchanged her ice cream bar, even though she doesn't have allergies, just to be in solidarity with her sister. I had nothing to do with that exchange between the two of them and I have to admit, it warmed my heart.
It looks like most "character" ice cream bars have peanut allergy warnings, so I would advise steering your kids away from those. It's a lot better if they know those are off limits from the beginning. Because they generally include candy for the "eyes" this makes them more likely to have nut allergen warnings.
And, speaking of the Bomb Pop--that one had a "contains milk protein" allergy warning. Just in case you're looking out for both dairy and nut allergies, you should be aware of it.
In addition, my husband went to Trader Joe's and bought blue corn tortilla chips for a 4th of July party at our house. He is usually a very thorough label reader so I didn't want to "back seat drive" and remind him about reading labels. Guess what? He wound up with tortilla chips that had allergy warnings for a bunch of foods, including tree nuts and peanuts. Oh well--that reinforces the need to remind everybody who is shopping for your child to check the labels. I know that Trader Joe's does have chips that are safe for nut allergies, but if you've been to TJ you know that they have about 20 brands of chips. Very confusing, even for the old nut allergy veterans among us (like my DH)!
I bring all of this up not to make us look like fools but to let you know that we all make these mistakes with food and that it's completely appropriate to be a compulsive label-reader.
In the end, it all turned out well. And we learned a few things. Not a bad weekend!
When we're out and about, we basically stick to popsicles because those seem to be safest for our daughter's nut allergy. Well, the other day at the pool concession stand (she and her sister like to head over there on their own--it's their new thing) my daughter attempted to buy a "Power Puff Girls" character ice cream bar. It had a nut allergy warning, so after reading the label (Yes! She's so good, she always checks) she returned it to the very nice boy working at the stand and exchanged it for a "Bomb Pop" (you know, those red, white and blue popsicles that are sold in the summertime.) Her sister even exchanged her ice cream bar, even though she doesn't have allergies, just to be in solidarity with her sister. I had nothing to do with that exchange between the two of them and I have to admit, it warmed my heart.
It looks like most "character" ice cream bars have peanut allergy warnings, so I would advise steering your kids away from those. It's a lot better if they know those are off limits from the beginning. Because they generally include candy for the "eyes" this makes them more likely to have nut allergen warnings.
And, speaking of the Bomb Pop--that one had a "contains milk protein" allergy warning. Just in case you're looking out for both dairy and nut allergies, you should be aware of it.
In addition, my husband went to Trader Joe's and bought blue corn tortilla chips for a 4th of July party at our house. He is usually a very thorough label reader so I didn't want to "back seat drive" and remind him about reading labels. Guess what? He wound up with tortilla chips that had allergy warnings for a bunch of foods, including tree nuts and peanuts. Oh well--that reinforces the need to remind everybody who is shopping for your child to check the labels. I know that Trader Joe's does have chips that are safe for nut allergies, but if you've been to TJ you know that they have about 20 brands of chips. Very confusing, even for the old nut allergy veterans among us (like my DH)!
I bring all of this up not to make us look like fools but to let you know that we all make these mistakes with food and that it's completely appropriate to be a compulsive label-reader.
In the end, it all turned out well. And we learned a few things. Not a bad weekend!
Friday, July 3, 2009
4th of July Weekend Travel Tips from FAAN
I hope everybody is gearing up to enjoy a great 4th, but since that means travel for many of us, I wanted to share these great tips I just got from FAAN.
First of all, if you're traveling by car, try to start the trip after a meal: It saves time, worry and stress! Take along more medication than you think you'll need and don't forget a copy of your Food Allergy Action Plan. You can download a template here. You'll also want to pack plenty of safe food options--you never know what a road trip can involve so be prepared!
Also, if you are traveling by airplane, check out FAAN's air travel link. Don't forget to remind the airline about your family's food allergy needs and don't forget to keep the EpiPen with you in the cabin.
In fact, as FAAN suggests, always remember to keep your EpiPen with you at all times.
My personal tip: Don't risk a food because you don't want to "offend" someone. If you're unsure that the food is safe--just skip it. Bring your own safe dessert or treat for your child and be sure to teach your child to decline a food politely. It's a lot more fun to stay at the backyard BBQ and avoid a potentially unsafe food than to take a trip to the ER on a holiday weekend!
Have a great time everybody!
First of all, if you're traveling by car, try to start the trip after a meal: It saves time, worry and stress! Take along more medication than you think you'll need and don't forget a copy of your Food Allergy Action Plan. You can download a template here. You'll also want to pack plenty of safe food options--you never know what a road trip can involve so be prepared!
Also, if you are traveling by airplane, check out FAAN's air travel link. Don't forget to remind the airline about your family's food allergy needs and don't forget to keep the EpiPen with you in the cabin.
In fact, as FAAN suggests, always remember to keep your EpiPen with you at all times.
My personal tip: Don't risk a food because you don't want to "offend" someone. If you're unsure that the food is safe--just skip it. Bring your own safe dessert or treat for your child and be sure to teach your child to decline a food politely. It's a lot more fun to stay at the backyard BBQ and avoid a potentially unsafe food than to take a trip to the ER on a holiday weekend!
Have a great time everybody!
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