Allergy Safety
Prevention is the best protection. Learn essential strategies for staying safe at home, at school, while dining out, and when traveling. Being prepared makes all the difference.
Reading Labels
Understanding ingredient lists and allergen warnings
"Contains" statement
Product contains one of the top allergens
"May contain" / "Processed in a facility with"
Cross-contact risk exists
"Made on shared equipment"
Higher cross-contact risk
"Allergen-free facility"
Lower cross-contact risk (verify claims)
Precautionary Labels Are Voluntary
Milk
Casein, whey, lactalbumin, ghee, curds
Egg
Albumin, globulin, lysozyme, mayonnaise
Peanut
Arachis oil, monkey nuts, groundnuts
Wheat
Semolina, spelt, durum, einkorn, farina
Soy
Edamame, miso, tempeh, tofu, soy lecithin
Eating Out Safely
Tips for dining at restaurants with food allergies
- Call ahead and speak with a manager about your allergies
- Choose restaurants that take allergies seriously
- Avoid buffets and shared serving utensils
- Ask about ingredients and preparation methods
- Carry a chef card explaining your allergies
- Avoid peak hours when kitchens are busiest
- Always carry your epinephrine
- Trust your instincts—if unsure, don't eat it
A chef card is a small card that clearly lists your allergies and explains cross-contact concerns. Hand it to your server to give directly to the chef.
Questions to Ask
- • What ingredients are in this dish?
- • Can you prepare it without [allergen]?
- • Are separate cooking surfaces/utensils used?
- • Is the fryer oil shared with other foods?
School & Sports Safety
Keeping children safe in educational and athletic settings
- Provide written allergy action plan to school
- Ensure epinephrine is accessible and staff are trained
- Meet with school nurse and teachers before school year
- Label all of your child's food and belongings
- Discuss cafeteria procedures and allergy-free zones
- Create a buddy system for emergencies
- Review field trip and special event procedures
- Update plan annually or when allergies change
Learn to recognize anaphylaxis and know where epinephrine is stored. Practice using a trainer device. Keep emergency contact information accessible.
Never hesitate to use epinephrine if a child shows signs of anaphylaxis—it could save their life.
Know the Signs
Travel Safety
Preparing for allergy-safe travel and vacations
- Pack more epinephrine than you think you'll need
- Carry medications in original packaging with prescription labels
- Get a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Research local emergency services at your destination
- Learn to say 'I have a food allergy' in local languages
- Pack safe snacks for the journey
- Research allergy-friendly restaurants in advance
- Wear medical ID jewelry
- Keep medications in carry-on luggage (not checked bags)
- Check airline policies for traveling with auto-injectors
Learn these phrases in the local language:
- • "I have a severe allergy to [allergen]"
- • "Does this contain [allergen]?"
- • "I need an ambulance"
- • "Where is the nearest hospital?"
TSA & Medications
Build Your Allergy Kit
Essential items to carry at all times
Keep your allergy kit with you at all times. Consider having multiple kits:
- • One for your bag/purse
- • One for work or school
- • One in your car
- • Travel kit for trips
Check expiration dates monthly and replace items as needed.