Preventing Food Allergy Emergencies and Managing Anaphylactic Reactions Prepared by Steve Kinsley, RD
Nu Connexions
*Further food allergy risk management resources are available at
www.nuconnexions.com/Allergy/manage.htm
Preventing Food Allergy Emergencies and Managing Anaphylactic Reactions Prepared by Steve Kinsley, RD
Nu Connexions
*Further food allergy risk management resources are available at
www.nuconnexions.com/Allergy/manage.htm
Objectives of this Presentation:
Understand how to prevent food allergy emergencies.
Recognize signs of anaphylactic (life threatening) allergic reactions.
Understand how to deal with an anaphylactic reaction when it occurs.
Hand washing between any food-handling activities and after eating is important!
Thoroughly wash knives, cutting boards, prep utensils between tasks.
No sharing of cups, straws, whistles, or other objects among children.
Food from reputable brand-name companies (see next slide).
Nothing from donut shops. Even if peanuts are not used, other nuts may contain traces of peanuts.
Ask in-store bakeries if they use potential food allergens in other food items (not just the items you’re purchasing).
Many do use peanuts or “mandalona nuts” (almond-flavoured peanuts), or other nuts, in some of the items they make.
They may also be unable to guarantee that “convenience” products they use (e.g. icings and fillings) are peanut/nut-free.
Companies & Allergy Alerts
Read ingredient labels carefully. Don’t be fooled by the absence of “may contain traces of…” warnings on food product packages. It is not a legal requirement for companies to place food allergy alerts on product packaging.
Some companies that do consistently place allergy alerts on packaging are:
Kraft/Nabisco (including Christie and Peak Frean’s), General Mills.
Nestle, Hershey’s.
For more detailed information, and more extensive company listings, visit www.nuconnexions.com/Allergy/companies.htm
Signs of Anaphylactic Reactions
Tingling in mouth, hives, itching.
Swelling of eyes, lips, face, tongue, hands, wrists, or other parts of body.
Flushed face or body.
Tightness in throat, mouth, chest.
Difficulty breathing, swallowing.
In young children, may be indicated by unconsolable or unexplainable crying.
Wheezing, coughing, choking.
Vomiting, stomach upset.
Dizziness, loss of consciousness.
Dealing With Anaphylaxis
Give EPIPEN.
Remove grey cap from end.
Press EPIPEN firmly into side of thigh until a click is heard, then hold in place and count to 10.
Administer Benadryl (for breathing difficulties).
Call 911 (emergency) to transport to hospital.
Notify parents immediately after emergency call.
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