My friend who has celiac disease will be joining me at a craft fair this weekend — and I’m concerned that he may have a hard time finding something safe to eat. Fairs, picnics, ball games, barbeques, and other summer gatherings can be a tough place for people with food allergies.
It may not be possible to get an ingredients list from a fair vendor. Often, the food may be prepared off-site by someone other than the folks working the stand. If you’re especially sensitive, there may be issues of cross-contamination — a “safe” item may become unsafe if cooked on the same grill with unsafe foods.
Who may have a hard time finding safe foods at a summer gathering?
- People with nut allergies — some places are switching to peanut oils for cooking in order to be free of dangerous trans fats.
- People with corn or wheat allergies. You’d be amazed at how many things contain one or the other (or both).
- People with dairy allergies.
- People with soy allergies — some places are switching to soy-based oils for cooking in order to be free of dangerous trans fats.
What can you do to prevent problems? Avoid any food that may be unsafe. Bring food from home that you know is safe if the destination allows. Eat a big meal before you go, just in case you can’t find anything that’s safe to eat.
If you do throw caution to the wind and eat at will, be prepared for the possibility of a reaction. If your allergies are severe or life-threatening, carry medication (like Benadryl) and emergency treatments (like an Epi-pen). Know where the first aid stations are at your event in case you need emergency help
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to food can include (but are not limited to):
- A rash on the skin — may not be limited to the face, throat, or chest
- Vomiting
- Paleness
- Coughing and wheezing