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Remembering Those We Have Lost To Food Allergies

12/17/2024

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I would like to take this time and remember some of the recent and not so recent deaths that have occurred from food allergies. These are just some of the reported cases. It is very sad that there have been so many and yet we have not heard about most of them.

Thank you for reading and sharing. The more we talk about it, the more others around us will too.  If you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you can view some of their pictures.

 "Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.”

This list was updated on April 8, 2025.

Food Allergy Deaths in 2025:

Leigh Rodgers, 34, died from anaphylaxis after an injection of dye for CT Scan. Full Story

Avarie Anne Tierney, 21, died from anaphylaxis while studying abroad. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2024:

Andrew Mueller, 20, died from an allergic reaction to peanuts. Full Story

Idris Qayyum, 19, suffered a fatal allergic reaction after eating a dessert on vacation. Full Story

Dominique Brown, 34, died of an apparent severe food allergy reaction. Full Story

Alison Pickering, 23, died after unknowingly eating a dish that contained peanut. Full Story

Hannah Glass, 19, died from anaphylaxis after unknowingly eating brownies with peanut flour. Full Story

Skylar, 14, succumbs to Anaphylaxis from First Dinner on Vacation in Rome. Full Story

Lily King, 18, died from a heart attack triggered by anaphylaxis. Full Story

Leon Li, age unknown, 11th grade student died from an allergic reaction. Full Story and Full Story

Órla Baxendale, 25, died of anaphylactic shock after eating a cookie containing peanut. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2023:

Mia-Shay St Hilaire, 12, suffered anaphylaxis and passed away after drinking a milkshake. Full Story

Kayleen Brown, 17, died after eating a baklava containing nuts. Full Story

Abraham Kenneth Ezra Williams, 30, suffered anaphylaxis after eating pesto that unknowingly contained shellfish. Full Story

Hannah Jacobs, 13, died from anaphylaxis after consuming a drink containing dairy. Full Story

Kanokporn Tangsuan, 42, died from anaphylaxis after dining at a restaurant in Disney Springs. ​Full Story

Georgian Mansergh, 24, died after eating a mushroom risotto. Full Story

Michael Chiarello, 61, celebrity chef and former Food Network Star, died from an an acute allergic reaction. Full Story

Anna Bellisario, 21, died after eating at a restaurant in Milan. She had allergies to milk and egg. Full Story

Aly West , 17, died after suffering an allergic reaction to nuts. Full Story 

Food Allergy Deaths in 2022:

Sydney Meegan, 18, died from anaphylaxis while away at college. Full Story

Joseph Higginson, 27, died after eating a dish containing almonds. Full Story

Millie Bristow, 19, died after eating Indian food takeout. Known food allergies to Tree-nuts & Egg.
Full Story

Alexander Ngai-Jun Wu, 19, died after eating a burger from McDonald's that contained dairy. Full Story

Emerson Kate Cole, 10, suffered an allergic reaction while at school. Full Story​

Jess Prinsloo
, 24, Suffers Fatal Anaphylaxis After Using the Wrong Spoon to Stir Her Tea. Full Story
​
Omar Osman, 26, a college student described as a natural leader, brilliant, and much loved by his classmates and teachers has died after a severe allergic reaction to nuts. Full Story

Aika Doheny, 20's, dies from anaphylaxis to soy-based coffee during vacation in Japan. Full Story

Shiv Mistry, 18, died after having a severe reaction to a drink containing dairy. Full Story

Treasure Perry, 17, suffered an allergic reaction and asthma attack while at work. Full Story

Sarah-Émilie Hubert, 15, lost her life to a severe food-allergic reaction. Full Story

Tania Kaur Khasriya, 24, died four years after suffering anaphylaxis at a restaurant in Southall. Full Story

Jagger Shaw, 14, reportedly ate a granola bar that contained peanut, which he was allergic to. He died in hospital after a devastating anaphylactic reaction. Full Story

Hanna Scigala, 31, died from a severe allergic reaction to peanuts. Full Story 

Food Allergy Deaths in 2021:

James Tsindos, 17, died after eating a dish ordered online via the food delivery app Deliveroo. He was unaware the dish contained cashews to which he was allergic. Full Story

Jane Lee, 27, died after the hospital caring for her, served her peanut butter. ​Full Story

Joe Dobson, 19, Teen died from anaphylaxis after taking a few bites of a burrito containing sesame. 
Full Story

Max McKenzie, 15, died in a Melbourne hospital last year after accidentally ingesting food containing nuts.
Full Story

Brooklyn Secor, 9, dies of severe allergic reaction related to milk desensitization. Full Story

​Langer Reese, 13, suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction after eating a dessert that “she thought was safe,” Full Story
​

Osher Deri, 23, died after enjoying dinner with a friend. Full Story

Cason Hallwood, 12, dies from Suspected Anaphylaxis on Christmas Day. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2020:

James Atkinson, 23, died after eating food containing peanut flour. Full Story

Alexandra Erokhova, 25, passed away after suffering a reaction to a dessert at her wedding. Full Story

Nick Kelly, 16, passed away after suffering a suspected allergic reaction to takeaway. Full Story

Alexander Hall, 37, dies from an undiagnosed fish allergy after dining with his wife. Full Story ​& Full Story

Tom Morton (age unknown), suffered from an anaphylactic reaction to food and passed away. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2019:

Ellen Raffell, 16, died from anaphylactic reaction to a food she had eaten. Full Story

Sam Collins, 19, passed away on the 4th of August 2019 as a result of the anaphylaxis. Full Story

Logan E. Lewis, 20, died from an anaphylactic reaction to milk. ​Full Story

Wyatt Michael Polachek, 12, had an allergic reaction to something he had eaten at a party. Full Story

Ava-Grace Stevens, passed away after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction while on vacation. Full Story

Christopher Trimper, 42, passed away due to complications from a shellfish allergy. Full Story

Rachel Hunger, 21, On April 19, Hunger suffered anaphylactic shock after eating an egg roll she didn’t know contained peanuts. Full Story
 
Tessa Perez, 11, was pronounced dead after suffering an allergic reaction to peanuts and going into anaphylaxis. Full Story

​
Raffi Pownal, 11, died of anaphylaxis. The boy was known to have an allergy to milk. Full Story

Denise Saldate, 11, suffered a fast-moving anaphylactic reaction to milk protein from an unexpected source: a new prescription toothpaste. Full Story

Fathimath Hana, 24, died after suffering a severe allergic reaction. She had a Seafood allergy. Full Story

Brandon Cheatham, 17, died after eating some brownies that had walnuts in them. Full Story

Habiba Chishti, 9, passed away after eating an ice cream while on holiday in Spain. Full Story & Full Story

Cameron Jean-Pierre, 11, died from a suspected asthma attack induced by an airborne allergen. (Fish)
Full Story & Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2018:

Jadhen, 6, suffered an anaphylactic reaction after eating pancakes containing dairy. Full Story

Ruben Bousquet, 14, dies after eating popcorn at a movie theater with his parents. Full Story

Kyah Rayne Cohen, 21, died from an reaction to one taste of peanut sauce. Full Story 

Shante Turay-Thomas, 18, suffered an anaphylactic reaction after eating food thought to contain hazelnuts. Full Story

Sadie Bristow, 9, died after suffering anaphylaxis. She had a known dairy allergy. Full Story & Full Story

Kelly Ann Moyer, 39, died from anaphylaxis - fatal anaphylactic allergic/asthma reaction. Full Story & Full Story

Joanna Frances Salmingo-Fontaine, 30, died after suffering a severe reaction to nuts. Full Story & Full Story

Isabel Marrero, 9, died from an anaphylactic reaction in March this year, after her mother gave her what looked like her favorite biscuit. Full Story

NAME UNKNOWN, 6, Perth girl dies from a severe allergic reaction to dairy. Full Story

Alexi Stafford, 15, died from a severe reaction to a cookie containing peanut. Full Story & Full Story

Maximillian McGlinchey, 19, died as a result of anaphylaxis to peanut exposure after eating a meal at a Chinese restaurant. Full Story

Amanda Huynh, 12, died of an allergic reaction after eating a granola bar. Full Story

James Turnball, 15, passed away due to anaphylaxis after consuming a take-out meal. Full Story

George Hodgkiss, 31, died after having an allergic reaction to cashews. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2017:

Nathan Anderson, suffered an allergic reaction and passed away after eating food containing sesame. 
Full Story

Allison Suhy, 18, died after eating a donut that contained peanut.  Full Story

Celia Marsh, 42, died after eating a super-veg rainbow flatbread containing a yoghurt that was supposed to be dairy-free. Full Story

Elijah Silvera, 3, died after being a served a grilled cheese sandwich at his preschool. He had a severe milk allergy. Full Story

Justin Mathews, 33, died after being exposed to walnuts during sandblasting. Full Story

Nainika Tikoo, 9, died after eating pancakes topped with blackberries. Full Story & Full Story

Jacob MacDonald, 15, suffered an allergic reaction after eating a cookie containing peanuts. Full Story

Chloe Gilbert, 15, died after eating a food containing yogurt. She had a dairy allergy. Full Story

Khoo Siew Hong, 60, died after eating prawns. She was allergic to shellfish. Full Story

Alastair Watson, 3, suffered an anaphylactic reaction during a baked milk challenge. Full Story

Anthony Lyson, 18, died of an anaphylactic reaction after accidentally consuming nuts. Full Story

Michael Julian, 27, suffered an allergic reaction that caused his brain to swell. Full Story

Georgina Hickman, 24, died after eating a single peanut flavored crisp. Full Story

Karanbir Cheema, 13, died after suffering an allergic reaction to cheese. Full Story & Full Story

Nissan Hayuni, 32, died on board a flight after consuming a specially ordered kosher meal. Full Story &
Full Story

Owen Carey, 18, suffered an allergic reaction and passed away after eating a piece of chicken. Full Story
 
Anthony Maruca, 23, suffered an allergic reaction and passed away suddenly from anaphylactic shock.
Full Story

Megan Lee, 15, dies after suffering an allergic reaction to takeaway food from a restaurant. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2016:

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, died of an anaphylactic reaction suffered during a flight. Full Story

Maleek Lawal, 10, died from a severe allergic reaction to an item containing dairy. Full Story

Nasar Ahmed, 14, died after suffering an allergic reaction from a school lunch containing milk.  Full Story

Domonic Prince, 32, suffered an allergic reaction after eating a salad purchased from a deli.

Tanner Sorensen, 14, had an allergic reaction to a cookie containing nuts. Full Story

Oakley Debbs, 11, died from an allergic reaction after eating a cake containing nut resin. Full Story

Ben Scott, 37, died from an allergic reaction to nuts. Full Story

Mariyah Pina, 14, had an allergic reaction to an unknown allergy. Full Story & Full Story

Breyton Horomona, 15, suffered a severe allergic reaction and died after eating calamari. Full Story

Paul Wilson, 38, died after eating a dish that contained peanuts. Full Story

Javier Avina, 10, died from asthma possibly caused by his peanut allergy. Full Story

Victor Lee, 10, tragically died after suffering an allergic reaction. Full Story

Abigail Raye Reiswitz, 13, died from asthma complications triggered by a reaction to milk. Full Story & Full Story

Bruce Kelly, 22, died after eating chocolates containing peanuts. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2015:

Georgia Murphy
, 13, died from an allergic reaction after eating pizza. Full Story

Jermain Bourbon, 11, died from an anaphylactic reaction. Allergic to dairy, eggs and nuts. Full Story &
Full Story

Miles Bengco, 11, died from an allergic reaction to Mycoprotein. Full Story 

Katherine Schaefer, 18, died from an allergic reaction that led to a severe asthma attack. Full Story

Shalev Hazan, age unknown, died after eating a granola bar containing nuts. Full Story

Annie Legere, 13, died from anaphylactic shock after an unknown allergic reaction, likely to something she ate, according to her doctors. Full Story

Lois Tate, 13, died at the hospital while being treated for asthma. Parents suspect it was the food they served their food allergic child. Full Story, Full Story & Full Story

Cody Steven Kimball-Godfrey, 17, died from an allergic reaction. Full Story

Rachel Cole, 18, suffered an anaphylaxis reaction to peanut oil and died 6 days later. Full Story & Full Story

Cameron Wahid, 7, died after eating a dish that may have contained dairy. Full Story

Morgan Elizabeth Crutchfield, 17, died from an allergic reaction. Full Story & Full Story

Simon Katz, 16, died from an allergic reaction to peanut butter. Full Story

Andrea Mariano, 18, died from an anaphylactic allergic reaction. Full Story 

Amanda Thompson, 50, died after having an allergic reaction to a Sorbet. Full Story

Dylan Hill, 18, died after eating at an Indian restaurant. Full Story

Maisie Durant, 21, died after eating a cereal bar containing nuts. Full Story

Shahida Shahid, 18, died from an allergic reaction after eating at a local restaurant. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2014:

Alice Brooks
, 19, died after suffering an allergic reaction.  Full Story

Caroline Lorette, 14, died from an allergic reaction to dairy. Full Story

Brandon Dixon, 13, died after eating a candy bar given to him at school. Full Story

Deborah Mary Molloy, 52, died from an allergic reaction to lentils. Full Story

Richard Hugh Goins, 23, died after exposure to a food containing peanut. Full Story & Obituary

Aaron O'Farrell, 11, died from anaphylactic reaction. Full Story & Full Story

Derek Landon Wood, 11, died after eating a cookie from a local grocery store. Full Story

Sergio Lopez, 24, died after eating a mole sauce containing peanuts. Full Story & Obituary

Scott Johnson, 16, died from a milk allergy after eating pancakes at a restaurant. Full Story

Nutan Ajay, 16, died from an allergic reaction to egg. Full Story

Casey Ryan, 29, died from an allergic reaction to peanut oil. Full Story

Edward Alfred Horan II, 24, died after exposure to a food he is allergic to. Full Story

Jaime E. Mendoza, 16, dies after allergic reaction to peanut butter cookie. Full Story

Chandler Swink, 19, dies from an allergic reaction to peanut. Full Story

Joseph DeNicola, 7, dies after suffering an allergic reaction on Halloween. Full Story

Jack Burden, 18, died from a severe allergic reaction. Partial Story

Paul Wilson, 38, died from anaphylaxis. He had a peanut allergy. Full Story

Lydia Lavoshan, age unknown, died after having an allergic reaction to tahini, which contained sesame. Full Story

Edward Debbage, 8, died from an anaphylaxis reaction. Allergies to various foods. Full Story 

Connor Donaldson, 12, dies after eating food containing peanut. Full Story 

Food Allergy Deaths in 2013:

Elin Wahlgren, 16, died from an allergic reaction after eating tacos. Full Story

Ronak Warty, 10, died after drinking a wrongly labelled drink containing dairy. Full Story

Cody Hardy, 17, died from an allergic reaction to milk. See comments section for full story.

Marcus Terranova, 8, died from an anaphylactic reaction caused by an unknown food allergy. Full Story

Dora Mae Coburn, 68, died from an allergic reaction to bananas. Full Story

Abbie Benford, 15, died from an anaphylaxis reaction. Full Story

Emma Slone, 14, died from a reaction to a nut based sauce. She had a peanut allergy. Full Story

Andrew Turner, 35, died from eating bread containing nuts. Full Story

Shimmer James, 6, died after an allergic reaction to peanut. Full Story

Taylor Brown, 11, died from an allergic reaction. Partial Story and Partial Story.

Marcus Sweet, 46, died after an allergic reaction to coconut. Full Story

Connor Donaldson, 12, died from a suspected allergic reaction from nut allergy. Full Story

Giovanni Cipriano, 14, died from an allergic reaction to peanuts. Full Story

Derek Stephenson, 31, died from an allergic reaction after eating a curry dish containing peanut. He had a peanut allergy. Full Story

Ethan Williams, 14, died from a suspected tree nut allergy. Full Story

Natalie Giorgi, 13, died from an allergic reaction to peanut butter. Full Story

Mason Wight, 11, died from an allergic reaction. Partial Story

Jackie Scott, 35, died from an allergic reaction caused by peanut allergy. Full Story

Tanner Henstra, 11, died from an allergic reaction to peanut butter. Full Story

Adrian Gutierrez, 8, died from a possible reaction to milk. Full Story

Maia Santarelli-Gallo, 12, died of an allergic reaction after eating ice cream at the mall. Full Story

Cameron Fitzpatrick, 19, died after eating a cookie that contained peanut oil. He had a peanut and tree nut allergy.  Full Story

Faith Tolbert, 2, died after from an allergic reaction to peanut. Partial story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2012:

Danika Rae, 17, died from complications related to an airborne allergic reaction and asthma attack. Full Story

Myriam Ducre-Lemay, 20, died after kissing her boyfriend that had eaten peanut butter. Full Story

Michael Saffioti, 22, died from dairy allergy after eating oatmeal containing dairy. Full Story

Jack Levee, 17, died from a severe allergic reaction and a asthma attack. Full Story

Jack Irvine, 15, died after eating a cookie containing nuts at camp. Full Story 

William Luckett, 15, died after eating Chinese takeaway. He had a peanut allergy. Full Story

Ethan Thomas, 11, died from an allergic reaction to curry. He had a nut allergy. Full Story

Natalia Green, 17, died from an allergic reaction to chicken satay containing peanut. Full Story

Diallo Robbins Brinson,15, died from of an allergic reaction after eating a cookie. Full Story 

Amaya Seraton, 8, died from an allergic reaction. Details are unknown. Full Story

Ammaria Johnson, 7, died at school after being exposed to something containing peanut. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2011:

Raymond Cho, 16, died after eating a cookie in class that contained walnuts. Full Story

Chen Efrat, 26 died after eating a dessert at a Tel Aviv restaurant. Full Story

Hayden Wileman, 9, died after eating a cereal. He had an unknown peanut allergy. Full Story 

Jharell Dillard, 15, lost his life after eating a chocolate chip cookie, which unknowingly contained nuts. Full Story  

Tyler Cody Davis, 20, died from an allergic reaction after eating at the KSU Campus Dining Hall. Full Story

Christopher Smith, 17, died after eating takeout food from a Wirral, England restaurant.  Full Story

Veronica Cirella, 8, died from allergic reaction. (undisclosed food allergy and cerebral palsy) food fed at home by mother (under investigation) Full Story

Mathew Lee, 26, died after eating a salad that contained nuts. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2010:

Ashley Frangella, 20, died from an allergic reaction to milk. Full Story

Megann Ayotte Lafort, 6, of Montreal died from asthma attack that is believed to be caused by a food allergic reaction. Full Story

Katelyn Carlson, 13, died after eating Chinese food with her class. Full Story

Yla Aquino, 17, died on prom night after accidentally digesting peanut butter. Full Story 

Poppy Harvey, 19, died after unknowingly eating a cake that contained peanut. Full Story 

Kevin Edouard, 21, died from suspected peanut allergy after eating on a cruise ship. Full Story

Emma Egerton, 18, died from takeaway curry. She had a peanut allergy. Full Story

Darren Taylor, 44, died from unknown fin-fish allergy. Full Story

Charlie Fidler, 8, died after an allergic reaction at a football barbecue. He was allergic to eggs, milk, wheat and certain nuts. Full Story

Molly Giles, 10, died from one spoonful of curry. She had a nut allergy. Full Story

Molly Dyer, 13, died from curry takeout. She had a nut allergy. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2009:

Danny Macpherson, 21, died from an allergic reaction after eating Indian takeout. Full Story  

Robert Anderson, 15, peanut, tree nut, egg allergy and asthma. Treated as asthma but later identified as anaphylaxis. (unconfirmed report) Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2008:

Mercedes Mears, 10, died after suffering an asthma attack. Food allergies are suspected to have played a part in her death. Full Story & Video

B.J. Hom, 18, died from an allergic reaction while on a family vacation. Full Story 

Andrew Michael Smith, 8, died from an allergic reaction while celebrating super bowl Sunday with family. Full Story

Daniel Sargent, 30, collapsed after taking a bite of a chocolate chip cookie. Full Story

Rodney Hawkins, 35, died from shellfish allergy after being served wrong. Full Story 

Dexter Skinner, 16, died after eating a chocolate bar. He had a peanut allergy. Full Story

Christopher Gould, 14, died after eating a cashew. Full Story 
 
Mark Nicholson, 28, died from peanut allergy after eating chili burgers. Full Story

Angus Myers, 32, nut allergy, died after eating take away curry. Full Story

Elizabeth Hoborough, 39, died days later after eating prawn soup. Full Story

Carol Lynn Winston Kiener, 66, died from a peanut allergy. Partial Story

Deja Vacey Hay, 7, died from milk allergy after drinking juice. Full Story

Paul Anthony Thurston, 30, died in jail when served a sandwich containing peanut butter. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2007:

Nathan Francis, 13, died after given a lunch of beef satay at camp. Full Story 
 
Karim Oughton, 13, died after eating a Brazil nut. He had never had a reaction before. Full Story

Carley Janelle Kohnen, 13, died from a burrito. She had a peanut, egg and milk allergy. Full Story

Grant  Freeman, 38, Collasped and died after eating a tomato entree. He was allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, seafood and chicken. Full Story

Mohsen Hussain, 9, died after having a sweet from the pick and mix candy section. He had a  nut allergy and asthma. Full Story

Jessica Cordoroy, 10, died after eating a pie at a restaurant. She had a peanut allergy and asthma. (unconfirmed story)

Stephanie Faulkner, 14, died from a dish at a restaurant that unknowingly contained nuts. Full Story

Kylie Lynch, 20, died after eating a dessert at a cafe that contained nuts. Full Story 

Francesca Sanna, 19, Collasped and died minutes after brushing her teeth. She had several food allergies. Full Story & Full Story

Michelle Bray, 21, died from seafood allergy. She had a severe anaphylactic reaction to a dim sim and collapsed. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2006:

Emily Vonder Meulen, 13, died at the mall after eating a sandwich she had eaten many times before. Full Story 

Amber Norman, 12, died after eating a sweet treat in school. Full Story

Paul Derrick Howard, 16, died from a sesame allergy most likely contained in a cereal bar he had eaten. Full Story

Brent Schivley, 16, died from a peanut reaction after eating a chocolate chip cookie. Full Story
 
Jane McVeigh, 17, died from nut allergy after unknowingly eating chicken satay at a birthday party. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2005:

Gina Marie Hunt, 14, died after having an allergic reaction after eating Chinese food at the mall with her friends. Full Story

Christina Desforges, 15, died after kissing her boyfriend, who had just eaten a peanut butter snack. Full Story

Thomas Schatten, 43, died an hour later after receiving treatment for his peanut allergy from an alternative medicine practitioner. Full Story 

David Joseph Boutot, 17, died from drinking a protein shake that contained whey. Full Story
 
Kailey Brianna Bowles, 7, died from a taste of hot cocoa in her room. She had a milk allergy. Full Story

Alison Armstrong, 11, died after eating a candy apple at the Grants Pass, OR Boatnik Festival. According to friends and family, Alison tasted peanut right away. The apple had been cooked in peanut oil. She was highly allergic to peanuts. (Can't locate full story)

Matthew Joseph Deluce, 24, died from peanut allergy after eating at a restaurant in Texas. Partial Story

Karen Lynn MacDonald, 27, died from accidential ingestion of peanut oil. Full Story

Chantelle Yambao, 13, died from peanut and nut allergy after eating a store-bought Nanaimo square. Full Story

Beverley Taylor, 37, died after eating a cashew that tasted like a peanut. She was allergic to peanuts, eggs, dairy, wheat and latex. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2004:

Jonathan Begley, 9, died from an allergic reaction to food while at school. Full Story

Amanda Mills, 19, died days after having an allergic reaction to a sandwich containing traces of nuts. Full Story. 

Alex Baptist, 4, died after being exposed to peanuts at school. Full Story.

Chris Clements, 17, died after eating chocolate that unknowingly contained hazelnut. He had a tree nut allergy. Full Story
 
Habib Khan, 10, died at school after eating a meal from home. He had asthma and a dairy allergy. He died from an asthma attack, but it is believed to be triggered from the dairy allergy. Full Story

Amy Bauer Topic, 34, died from peanut allergy after accidental ingestion. Full Story

Phillip Heywood, 19, died from a peanut allergy after eating half a portion of curry. Full Story

Emily Givner, 38, died shortly after eating a sandwich wrap. She was allergic to chocolate, nuts, seeds and animals. Full Story
 
Prasad Gajare, 9, died from milk allergy. Partial Story

Sam Pettett, 22, died from eating a curry dish. Allergy unknow, but died from allergic reaction.  Full Story

Raya French, 37, died from tomato allergy after eating spaghetti bolognese for dinner. Full Story

Laura Benson, 19, died after eating a Rice Krispy Treat that unknowingly contained peanut butter. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths 2003:

Matt Schmauch, 29, died after eating at a Chinese buffet. Full Story

Kate Obertelli, 21, died after eating takeout food containing curry paste. Full Story 

Singh Bhamra, 49, died from egg allergy after unknowingly eating cake containing eggs. Full Story

Sabrina Shannon, 13, died from dairy protein that was still present on some school lunch tongs. The same tongs were used to pick up Sabrina's french fries. Sabrina's Law took effect on January 1, 2006. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2002:

Trent A. Hankins, 31, died after touching food containing peanut oil at a dinner party. Full Story  

Thomas Egna, 5 months, died from milk allergy after being fed milk in a daycare. Full Story

Richard Sobrino, 38, had an allergic reaction to a candy bar and later died at the hospital. He had a peanut allergy.  Full Story

Hamidur Rahman, 14, died from peanut allergy while on a school excursion. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2001:

Nathan Walters, 9, died on a class field trip after eating a sacked lunch offered to him which contained a peanut butter sandwich and cookies. Full Story

William Gallagher, 16, died after eating walnuts from his home economics class. Partial Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 2000:

Sarah Hubert, 13, died from Milk Allergy. Partial Story.

Nicola Ratcliffe, 18, died from a nut allergy after eating Indian food. Full Story

Luisa Dennis, 28, died from walnut allergy after eating bread that unknowingly contained walnuts. Partial Story

Patrick Maxeiner, 24, death is suspected to have been caused from a peanut allergy. (unconfirmed)  Partial Story

Food Allergy Death in 1999:

Joseph Murphy, 18, died after eating pistachio nuts. He knew he was allergic to peanuts, but not aware of his nut allergy. Full Story

Food Allergy Death 1998:

Mark Villa
, died after eating a sugar cookie containing peanut butter.  Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 1996:

Kristen Wyak Norris, 13, died from anaphylactic shock due to complications from asthma and
allergies. She was allergic to nuts. Full Story in the 2002 Reno Gazette.

Joshua Ramirez, 21, died from peanut allergy after eating a cookie in a vending machine in his dormitory. Full Story

Food Allergy Deaths in 1991:

Johnny Robbins, 16, died after eating an egg roll containing peanut butter. See comments section for full story. 

Food Allergy Death in 1989:

Cheryl Winegardner, 10, died from a peanut allergy while on a school field trip. Full Story

Food Allergy Death in 1986:

Katherine Brodsky, 18, died after eating chili from a restaurant that was flavored with peanut butter. Full Story

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones
shine down to let us know they are happy."


Some of the faces of those we have lost

Alexi Stafford
Amanda Huynh
Allison Suhy
Oakley Debbs
Giovanni Cipriano
Dominic Prince
Joseph Denicola
Elijah Silvera
Abbie Benford
Natalie Giorgi
Tanner Henstra
Cameron Fitzpatrick
Ammaria Johnson
Diallo Robbins-Brinson
Amaya Seraton
Alex Baptist
Katelyn Marie Carlson
Yla Aquino
B.J. Hom
Hayden Wileman
Andrew Michael Smith
Megann Ayotte Lafort
Trent Hankins
Jharell Dillard
Angus Myers
Emily Vonder Meulen
Amber Norman
Prasad Gajare
Kate Obertelli
Chen Efrat
Tyler Cody Davis
Charlie Fidler
Chris Smith
Julie Cirella
Michelle Bray
Sabrina Shannon
Freancesca Sanna
Chris Clements
Daniel Sargent
Emma Egerton
Kevin Edouard
Darren Taylor
Dexter Skinner

​Natalie Giorgi Documentary 

4 Comments

Hosting an Allergy Friendly Fall Gathering

9/22/2024

0 Comments

 
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Before your gathering, reach out to your guests to inquire about any food allergies or sensitivities they may have. Understanding their specific needs allows you to plan a menu that accommodates everyone. Here’s how to make sure communication is clear: ​
  1. Send Invitations Early: When sending out invitations, include a note asking guests to inform you of any food allergies. This gives you ample time to prepare. 
  2. Follow Up: A few days before the event, follow up with your guests to confirm any special dietary needs. This shows you care about their well-being and are committed to making the event enjoyable for all. 
  3. Label Everything: Clearly label all dishes with ingredient lists, especially if they contain common allergens. This helps guests easily identify what’s safe for them to eat. 
  4. Create a Safe Zone: Consider setting up a designated allergy friendly table or area where guests with food allergies can find safe snacks and treats. 
Safe and Delicious Snacks 
​

When it comes to snacks, it’s essential to choose items that are not only delicious but also safe for everyone to enjoy. Here are some tips for selecting and preparing allergy friendly snacks: 
  1. Opt for Pre-Packaged Allergy Friendly Brands: Choose snacks from trusted brands like Free2b Foods, which are made in dedicated allergy friendly facilities. For example, Free2b's Chocolate Sun Cups and Dark Chocolate Sun Cups Minis are perfect for fall gatherings and are free from common allergens. 
  2. Include Homemade Treats: If you enjoy baking, try your hand at making allergy friendly treats. NNMG Food Allergic Families loves The Pretty Bee for recipes, check them out here. You can also find delicious Free2b recipes on our website, such as Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread and Vegan Sea Salt Caramel Apples. 
  3. Allergy Friendly Charcuterie Boards: Create a charcuterie board with an assortment of safe foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy-free cheeses, and gluten-free crackers. This allows guests to build their own plates with confidence. 
  4. Consider Dietary Restrictions: In addition to allergies, consider any other dietary restrictions your guests may have, such as vegan or gluten-free diets. Offering a variety of options ensures everyone can find something they love. 
Fun Activities for All 
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A fall gathering is not complete without some fun activities. Here are some allergy friendly ideas that will keep everyone entertained: 
  1. Pumpkin Decorating: Instead of carving, which can be messy and difficult, set up a pumpkin decorating station with paints, markers, and stickers. This allows kids and adults alike to get creative without the need for sharp tools. 
  2. Apple Picking or Bobbing: If you’re hosting outdoors, consider a trip to a local apple orchard or set up a classic apple-bobbing station. Be sure to sanitize the apples and the water before and after the activity. 
  3. Allergy Friendly Baking Contest: Host a friendly baking contest where guests can bring their best allergy friendly recipes. This not only provides entertainment but also allows everyone to sample a variety of safe treats. 
  4. Fall-Themed Crafts: Set up a craft table with supplies for making autumn wreaths, leaf garlands, or homemade candles. Crafts are a great way to keep hands busy and create take-home memories. 
Recipes to Try 
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To make your fall gathering even more special, here are a few allergy friendly recipes from our favorite blogs and Free2b Foods: 
  1. Furry Monster Chocolate Cake: An allergy friendly cake mix transformed into a frightfully adorable furry monster! A recipe from Ashley Smith, the leader of the LA Chapter of the NNMG Food Allergic Families.
  2. Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream ‘Cheese’ Frosting: Another delicious recipe from Ashley Smith - the perfect fall recipe, Apple Pie Cupcakes!
  3. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: This moist, flavorful bread combines the warm spices of pumpkin with the richness of allergy friendly chocolate chips. It’s a perfect treat to share during your fall festivities.
  4. Vegan Sea Salt Caramel Apples: These caramel apples are a delightful blend of sweet and salty, made without dairy or common allergens. They’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Final Thoughts 
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Hosting an allergy-friendly fall gathering doesn’t have to be complicated. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and the right mix of safe snacks and activities, you can create a warm and welcoming environment where all your guests feel included and cared for. By partnering with groups like the NNMG Food Allergic Families and choosing trusted brands like Free2b Foods, you’re well on your way to a successful and enjoyable event. 
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For more tips and recipes, visit Free2b Foods and theNNMG Food Allergic Families. 
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Eat Chocolate!

6/11/2024

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I was contacted by U Chocolate to sample their chocolates. Their chocolate is made from cacao sourced from their plantation in the heart of the Peruvian Jungle. In addition to using high quality carefully harvested cocao beans, organic sugar from the nectar of a coconut is used instead of refined white sugar. The coconut blossom sugar used doesn't go through any refining whatsoever. This preservation ensures that it maintains its high mineral content, including calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, prevent blood clots, and fight cell damage. The gentle processing of coconut blossom makes it suitable for individuals with high sensitivities to other types of sugars, offering a 100% safe alternative for those with allergies.

​U Chocolate is free of all major allergens. Per Marco Castelli (PhD) from U Chocolate, "We control the whole process ourselves, we can guarantee there are absolutely no traces of potential allergens. We operate from Hacienda Umbelina, in the Peruvian Amazon, boasting one of the world's only all-in-one facilities. Here, we cultivate, harvest, ferment, and process our cacao, ensuring the absence of allergens and its natural flavonoid (antioxidants) content. This meticulous approach results in a limited production of high quality organic chocolate containing up to 3 times more flavonoids than others."
U Chocolate sent me a gift box with their two ingredient chocolate varieties: Aromatic 72%, Intense 78% and Wild 85%. I enjoyed the chocolate and it helps that it has many health benefits and I feel less guilt while indulging. My favorite was the Aromatic and then the Wild. The Intense was a bit too intense for me, but I am sure others will love it. Once you try U Chocolate, customers can subscribe to the website and get their favorite variety delivered regularly every month. 

NNMG members and followers receive a 20% off discount on all purchases until August 15th with the “nonutsmom20” code right before checkout.

Please use the following link so U Chocolate can see it came from NNMG.

https://www.u-chocolate.com?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nonutsmum&utm_id=CO.002


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Peanut Free NYC

2/21/2024

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Hey NNMG Food Allergic Families,

I’m TJ. I’m the founder and only employee of Peanut Free NYC LLC, the most comprehensive peanut allergy atlas of the greater New York City region that’s helped me regain the dining convenience that food allergies took away. NNMG let me come on here and write a piece about my map, and I’m thrilled to show you all the work I’ve done to make food allergies easier.

To start with, I have to write this disclaimer: I am not, never have been, don’t really want to be and probably never will be an allergist or any other kind of medical professional. I won’t and can’t possibly guarantee any of the places I go will be safe in the future when you visit, unless those restaurants confirm otherwise; (if they do, they have one of the ‘Peanut Free NYC – Partner’ stickers I designed). The only thing I can say with confidence is that on the days I visited and reviewed each of these places, there wasn’t enough of a peanut in anything I ate to give me an allergic reaction (with an OIT tolerance of about 1/50th of a peanut) as of me writing this. While we give our best effort to make the map reflect the state of the world and provide unbiased sources for you to do your own research, we will eventually mess up, and I really don’t want to be responsible for killing anyone - I’ve heard that’s bad business practice. Do your own research, and if you find anything contradicting our information, please reach out.

AllergyEats, Spokin and others have probably saved my life more than once without me knowing, but they aren’t designed for the restaurant-dense, tourist-focused New York City region, and in particular the people living here. Eating out in NYC is basically a standard evening activity, and while Donut Pub is great, the novelty wore off a few months after I moved. Also, as soon as I mention that I have food allergies, I inevitably become the person responsible for the restaurant decision, and that’s a big responsibility. Thing is though, finding actually new places is usually really time consuming: to avoid legal liability, every review is accepted and hosted indefinitely, meaning the entire app is filled with old evaluations, single-line analyses, and so many restaurants without any reviews. Besides the few at the top that are probably Top 8 safe, it takes a long time to sift through and find anything unique. This isn’t even mentioning that as a user of an Android phone, the Spokin app isn’t available, and AllergyEats fails to load many times on my phone more often than not. So I made a map.

The current Peanut Free NYC atlas, available on peanutfreenyc.com and directly via Google Maps on your phone, identifies more than 1000 locations of restaurants with at least some level of peanut allergy safety, filterable by the safety protocols they use, and each with a cuisine-specific or chain-specific icon. These restaurants include more than 100 independent establishments extending out to an hour’s drive away from Times Square, including many with comprehensive allergy safety protocols. Clicking into the icon will display a comprehensive, consistent, allergy-focused review if it’s one of the several dozen locations I’ve personally tested, and a link to the Peanut Free NYC website database entry for that location. On the database, you can find mapping directions, booking links, and the secondary sources we used to verify that location’s safety so you can easily verify our information and make your own determinations, since I’m already running my map provider’s servers into the ground.
While that all is pretty useful on its own, this isn’t just a reskin of currently available information from another website in a cute package. All the reviews on the website are done by me personally, and updated about once a year to ensure the most relevant information is available. These reviews cover all of the popular NYC locations from major food allergy websites, but include a growing number of establishments personally discovered by me, or by a few individually-selected locals who also deal with life threatening peanut allergies. (Thank you, @nutfreeinnyc!) If you’ve never tried authentic chai tea, think Domino’s is the best pizza, don’t know how honeycomb flavored ice cream could exist, or assume Chinese take-out style food* will never be a thing you or your family members with allergies can try, we might be able to help you widen your own food world.

We are also the first allergy resource have a map of emergency rooms to help you create an emergency action plan before you arrive, and a map of the street vendors selling roasted nuts so kids can’t pick up discarded peanut shells. We have a massive list of public restrooms for your convenience so you don’t ever get desperate enough to have to consider waiting inside a Five Guys, and a separate map of hotels in the region with full and partial kitchens is forthcoming so you can supplement with food you cook yourself. I do posts on @peanutfreenyc about the unexpected food allergy risks in New York City’s dining scene, like how to stay safe in a subway train if you’re having a reaction. And I’m available on most days to answer questions, provide more detail, assist with navigation, and do 1:1 tours.

Just that modest level of added convenience of having all the information about all the peanut-allergy-safe restaurants together on a map continues to surprise me, and I’m the one who made the thing. I’ve used it to find the one Shake Shack close to the Megabus stop so I could get my favorite burger before I left to visit family. I’ve used it to send a list of safe restaurants to friends to give them choices while avoiding risk. I’ve used it to find the nearest hospital so I can try new foods while standing outside it (ambulances are expensive!). I’ve used it to find a free public toilet without a massive line on New Year’s Eve. I’ve used it to help me navigate to a half dozen different food places in Boston in twelve hours on a trip to expand this business at one point soon. Just having this one map has just made me able to be more spontaneous with my food decisions instead of worrying about everything, and that’s quite a special thing.


Also yes, PeanutFreeNYC is a paid subscription to help me cover the losses I’ve incurred by running the map so far. I also believe that the peace of mind and convenience of worrying less about food allergies is totally worth the $6 for a three week visitor plan or $33 a year for a subscription - a bit less expensive than Xolair. Still, the point of this operation is to help people and not be a profit-seeking tech startup; if the subscription cost is a struggle, you’re a student, or you have other life-threatening allergies, just email me (mailto:[email protected]) and we’ll work something out. Also, if you ever have an adverse reaction within 24 hours of eating at a location based on map information, we will fully refund you.


If you’d like to support this project, or want more information, please visit our website at peanutfreenyc.com. Thank you so much for your time!
TJ Faber
Peanut Free NYC LLC
* in Boston, not NYC
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Oat Boss Granola Butter

1/12/2024

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Meet Jourdan and Harper, the dynamic father-daughter duo behind Oat Boss Granola Butter, where the pursuit of a delectable nut-butter alternative transformed into a family venture. Jourdan, who navigates life with a nut allergy, discovered that his daughter, harper, shared a similar fate. Together, they embarked on a mission to create not just any alternative but the best-tasting nut-butter alternative on the market.
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Oat Boss, the brainchild of this allergen-friendly family team, stands as a testament to their core mission-to provide individuals and families grappling with food allergies a phenomenal nut butter alternative that is entirely allergen-free. The secret ingredient? A dedication to using the highest quality, certified organic, and gluten-free oats
The genesis of Oat Boss was rooted in years of frustration with the lack of a nut-free butter alternative that Jourdan truly loved and could share with his entire family. As someone who dealt with a severe nut allergy throughout his life, the constant struggle to find safe, cross-contamination-free products led him to take matters into his own hands. The spark of this idea eventually ignited a flame of creativity and determination.
Recognizing the scarcity of exceptional nut-free butter alternatives in the market, Jourdan and Harper set out to create the world's best-tasting granola butter-Oat Boss. Free from the Top 9 allergens (tree-nuts, peanuts, sesame, dairy, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and egg), Oat Boss Granola Butters come in seven delicious flavors, promising to be a household favorite.
In a world where dietary restrictions often pose challenges, Oat Boss stands out as a flavorful solution that doesn't compromise on taste or quality. Join the Oat Boss family on a journey of allergen-free indulgence, where each jar of granola butter tells a story of dedication, love, and a commitment to creating a product that's not just a spread but a family tradition in the making.
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Better Baking for All ~ Guest Blog By Bake Me Healthy

10/18/2023

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Hi, my name is Kimberle, the Founder of Bake Me Healthy, and also known as the Plant-Based Baking Mama. As a former Beauty Executive, I loved transforming innovative ingredients into beautiful results. But in 2020, life took an unexpected turn, and I faced various health challenges. Pregnancy brought lactose and egg intolerances, and then, the daunting diagnosis of being high-risk for breast cancer forced me to eliminate soy from my diet. It was during these trying times that I discovered the true power of food, not just as sustenance but as a catalyst for positive change.
I've always had a passion for baking, and as a mom, I became even more committed to providing my family with healthier alternatives. My journey of adapting traditional recipes to accommodate my dietary restrictions ignited a spark within me. And when I saw the impact of these modifications, not just on my well-being but also on the lives of my allergy-mom friends, I knew I had to do something bigger.
That's when Bake Me Healthy was born. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals to bake better for themselves, their loved ones, and our planet. We believe that nobody should have to compromise on health, taste, or the environment when indulging in their favorite treats.
At Bake Me Healthy, we offer a wide range of convenient, delicious plant-based baking mixes that are Top 9 Allergen-Free and refined sugar-free. Our collection includes Dark Chocolate Fudgy Brownie Mix, Oatmeal Pancake & Waffle Mix, and Banana Bread & Muffin Mix. But our commitment to the planet goes even further. We proudly incorporate upcycled ingredients from “ugly” bananas to coffee cherry flour into our mixes, championing sustainability and the fight against climate change. Plus, our packaging is made with 43.5% post recycled materials.
But our innovation doesn't stop there. Bake Me Healthy is built on the principles of inclusivity and empowerment. Our mixes are designed for everyone - all ages, genders, ethnicities, and dietary restrictions. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant, or just health-conscious, you deserve to treat yourself without worry or guilt.
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You can follow Bake Me Healthy on Tik Tok, Instagram, or Facebook. 

​Shop us at bakemehealthy.com and save 15% off with promo code: NONUTS15. Or shop us on Amazon. 
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Join us in baking better the world a better place.
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Navigating Food Allergies in Social Settings: 3 Tips for Inclusion and Safety

9/10/2023

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Guest Blog by: UMA App team

Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, making every dining experience or social gathering potentially challenging for those with allergies. 

This article aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips for individuals with food allergies, their friends, and their families to ensure a safe and inclusive environment in various social settings.

1. Communicating Effectively

Living with food allergies requires proactive communication to ensure your safety and well-being in social settings. Effectively conveying your allergies to hosts, hostesses, friends, and peers can make a significant difference in how you experience these occasions.

Inform Hosts and Hostesses: When invited to a social event, let the host know about your allergies in advance. This gives them time to plan a menu that accommodates your needs.

When you receive an invitation to a social gathering, seize the opportunity to communicate your allergies early on. Reach out to your host or hostess as soon as possible to explain your dietary restrictions. This simple act not only shows your appreciation for their effort but also provides them with the necessary time to make accommodations that ensure your safety.

Consider providing the following information:
  • Specific Allergens: Clearly state the allergens you need to avoid. Whether it's nuts, dairy, gluten, or any other ingredient, make it explicit so there's no room for confusion.
  • Cross-Contamination Concerns: Emphasize your need for cross-contamination prevention. Stress that even trace amounts of allergens can trigger severe reactions.

Offer to help with planning by suggesting alternative ingredients or dishes that are safe for you to consume. Sharing recipes or recommending allergy-friendly brands can make it easier for your host to prepare a safe and enjoyable meal for everyone.

Educate Friends and Peers: Ensure your friends and peers understand the seriousness of your allergies and how they can help keep you safe.

Creating a supportive network of friends and peers who understand your allergies is crucial. Start by educating them about the severity of your condition and how they can contribute to your safety:

  • Open Conversations: Initiate conversations about your allergies in a non-confrontational manner. Share your personal experiences and explain that your allergies are not a choice but a medical necessity.
  • Recognize Symptoms: Help your friends and peers recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Explain the differences between mild reactions and severe anaphylaxis, and stress the importance of acting quickly in case of emergency.
  • Empower with Information: Equip your friends with basic knowledge about allergen avoidance and cross-contamination. Teach them how to read food labels and ingredient lists to identify potential hazards.
By proactively educating your circle, you create an environment of understanding and empathy. Your friends and peers can then become allies in ensuring your safety and making social occasions enjoyable for everyone involved.

2. Reading Labels and Ingredients

One of the most powerful tools in managing food allergies is the ability to decipher ingredient lists and labels accurately. This skill empowers you to make informed choices about what you consume, whether you're shopping for groceries or assessing dishes at potluck gatherings.

Always Read Labels: Whether it's store-bought snacks or potluck dishes, read labels carefully to identify potential allergens.

When it comes to packaged foods, the label is your window into the product's composition. Always make it a habit to examine labels thoroughly, even if you've consumed the product before. Allergen information can change due to reformulations, manufacturing changes, or cross-contamination risks.

Look for the following information on labels:

  • Allergen Warnings: Many products include bold warnings if they contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or wheat. Pay close attention to these warnings.
  • Ingredients List: Scan the ingredients list for any mention of allergens or allergen-derived ingredients. Ingredients are typically listed in descending order by weight.
Keep in mind that cross-contamination is a common concern, especially in facilities that handle multiple allergens. Some labels might carry statements like "May contain traces of X" or "Processed in a facility that also handles Y." While not a guarantee of contamination, these statements indicate potential risk.

Understand Hidden Sources: Some ingredients might have different names but contain allergens. Learn these alternative names to avoid any surprises.

Navigating food labels becomes even trickier when you consider that allergens might go by various names. Manufacturers use different terms to describe the same allergenic ingredient, making it important to expand your knowledge beyond the obvious names.

For instance:

  • Milk: Look out for casein, whey, curds, and other milk-derived components.
  • Nuts: Almonds, cashews, and walnuts are obvious, but also watch for nut oils, nut extracts, and terms like marzipan or praline.
  • Wheat: Beyond "wheat," be wary of semolina, farina, and spelt.

Educate yourself about these alternative names for allergens. Online resources, allergy support groups, and mobile apps can be incredibly helpful for quick reference when you're shopping or attending events.

By diligently reading labels and understanding the various names that allergens can hide behind, you take control of your dietary choices. This practice not only safeguards your health but also empowers you to confidently navigate any food-related situation.

3. Safe Eating at Restaurants

Dining out can be an enjoyable experience, even with food allergies, when you approach it with caution and effective communication. By doing some research before you arrive and openly communicating with the restaurant staff, you can significantly reduce the risk of allergen exposure.

Research Beforehand: Look up restaurant menus online and call ahead to inquire about allergen-friendly options.

The advent of the internet has made it much easier to plan safe dining experiences. Many restaurants now provide their menus online, and some even indicate allergen information directly on their websites. Before heading out, take a few moments to review the menu and identify potential dishes that align with your dietary restrictions.

Additionally, consider giving the restaurant a call. Speaking directly to the staff or management can provide you with more personalized information. Ask about:

  • Allergen Policies: Inquire about the restaurant's approach to food allergies and cross-contamination prevention.
  • Customization: Check if they can modify dishes to accommodate your allergies.
  • Ingredients: Seek clarification about specific ingredients in dishes you're interested in.

Communicate Clearly: When at the restaurant, inform your server about your allergies. Ask about ingredients, preparation methods, and cross-contamination risks.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, it's essential to communicate your allergies clearly and confidently. Your server plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety. Politely inform them of your allergies and take the opportunity to ask about:

  • Ingredients: Ask about specific ingredients in the dishes you're interested in. This includes asking about sauces, marinades, and garnishes.
  • Preparation: Inquire about how dishes are prepared, including cooking methods and potential cross-contact.
  • Cross-Contamination: Raise concerns about the risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen. This includes shared cooking surfaces, utensils, and fryers.

However, technology can be an invaluable ally in this process, making it even more seamless and reliable. In the age of smartphones and digital innovation, the UMA App offers a more convenient way to access allergen information on the go.
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The UMA App: Tracking food allergies made easier.

To make the restaurant dining routine more efficient, consider using the UMA (Universal Meal Assistant) application, developed by IT Creative Labs - a cutting-edge mobile app designed to help individuals manage their food allergies. This app allows you to search for restaurants in your area that cater to allergen needs. It provides up-to-date allergen information for various dishes, helping you make informed choices about where to dine.​

The UMA App also enables you to:
  • Set Preferences: Configure the app to reflect your specific allergens and dietary preferences. This feature ensures you receive customized recommendations based on your individual needs.
  • Plan Ahead: Whether you're in a new city or simply looking for dining options nearby, UMA provides location-based suggestions for allergy-friendly restaurants.
  • Scan and Translate Menu: With UMA, you can effortlessly scan menus and have them translated, overcoming language barriers and streamlining the process of identifying safe options.

By combining thorough research, clear communication, and the assistance of tools like the UMA App, you can savor dining out while prioritizing your health and safety.

Conclusion
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By embracing effective communication, diligent label reading, and modern tools like the UMA App, individuals with food allergies can confidently engage in social gatherings. Inclusivity is fostered through education and collaboration, ensuring that health and safety are upheld without compromising the joy of shared experiences.
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Back to School Resources for Families Living with Life-threatening Allergies

8/8/2023

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In preparation for sending a food allergic child back to the classroom, parents can listen to the August 3rd episode of the Motherly Podcast featuring Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo*. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo is the mother of two children with life-threatening food allergies, has food allergies herself, and is the Director of the Division of Allergy & Immunology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. She speaks candidly to Motherly podcast host and founder Liz Tenety on important topics such as emergency action plans, educating caregivers at school on life-threatening allergies, and much more. The episode will be available on all podcast streaming platforms.
 
Parents can also look at the latest issue of Parents Health, which gives tips on how families can send their child to school while managing their food allergies. 
 
Finally, families can sign up for a free downloadable kit with digital resources to help them get ready for the back-to-school season. The kit includes a life-threatening allergy guide for coaches and teachers as well as educational materials on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. 
  
*Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo is a paid advisor of Kaléo


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Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida & Food Allergies

1/2/2023

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My family and I went to Disney and Universal Studios over Christmas break, and we had a great time. This is our second time visiting Disney and a first for Universal. Knowing this was probably our last time visiting, I really wanted my food allergic son and myself to experience the food allergy magic in Disney. The first time we went, they were great with his food allergies at all of the quick service restaurants. However, I wanted him to experience a complete sit-down meal and other treats this time around. I want to share how we made this happen along with some tips. Please only use this blog post as a reference tool and do your own research. We all have different food allergies, comfort levels, and ways that our families manage day to day. 
First, I researched food allergy blog posts from other food allergy bloggers and jotted down all the suggestions. I then mapped out all of the quick service restaurants at the two Disney parks we were visiting and viewed their menus to see what my kids would eat. Once I had our quick service spots picked out, I reached out to friends in the food allergy community to get advice. One of those resources was Pixie Lizzie Magical Food Allergy Travel. Lizzie was so helpful and gave me some great advice. I would definitely recommend her for your next Disney vacation. She pointed me to dinner at Cape May Cafe, where a well-known food allergy chef is. I will share more details regarding this soon. 
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During my research I learned the churros, funnel cakes (Throughout Disney) and cinnamon rolls from Gaston's Tavern are safe for someone with a peanut and tree-nut allergies. A friend of mine also pointed me to Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor located inside Magic Kingdom and they were wonderful with my son's food allergy. Prior to ordering, let the Disney employee know you have a food allergy and they will have you and your family wait to the side for the head chef or manager to assist you. This is the same procedure at all quick service restaurants within Disney. Once a chef comes out, they tell you what is safe and take your order. The order will be prepared separately and away from any of your allergens. My family and I safely enjoyed churros, funnel cakes and ice cream. Unfortunately, we didn't get around to enjoying the cinnamon rolls from Gaston's Tavern or the Dole Whip that I have heard so much about. The Dole Whip has the following flavors free of the Top 8 allergens: Pineapple, Mango, Raspberry, Lime and Lemon. Here's a blog link with some additional dessert options. I also found this blog link helpful as well.   
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The most magical and safe dining experience we had was at Cape May Cafe. You need reservations here and you also want to make a note in the reservations regarding what your allergens are. I simply made our reservations via the Disney Online App. They do require a credit card to hold the reservation. Cape May is a buffet and usually my son cannot safely eat at a buffet, so this was a great treat for us. Chef TJ came to our table and discussed my son's allergies and made sure he was ok with everything on the buffet. At the end of our dinner, Chef TJ made a very special dessert for my son. It was truly magical and something we will never forget. I also had my other two children with me (no food allergies) and they were completely surprised by the special cupcakes Chef TJ brought out for them as well. We didn't expect that at all because my other two could eat anything off of the dessert table. So, this was by far the best food allergy experience we have had. A special thank you to Pixie Lizzie Magical Food Allergy Travel and Chef TJ. 
Here's a video of my son receiving his special treat:
 youtube.com/shorts/d9d7rlCcXi0?feature=share
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Chef TJ from Cape May Cafe
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Lastly, we went to Universal Studios for two days and it was so much fun for my kids. They are not as great with the food allergies, but they still do a good job. Just like Disney, I researched the quick service restaurants and looked over the menus. I also recommend notifying the cashier attendant of your food allergy prior to ordering and someone will come out to speak with you. If you are looking for a sit-down dining experience, I have heard great things about Mythos Restaurant in Universal Studios. The chef should come to your table here and go over what you can have and how they safely prepare it. You will need a reservation here and it can be made online via the website or the Universal App. We didn't have any desserts or treats while at Universal Studios, but If you have, please share and let us know what you have learned. 
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Calmergé ~ An app designed to keep children with food allergies safer at school

11/4/2022

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Guest Blog by Deana Glenn, Founder of the Calmergé app

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Sending your child with food allergies off to school is terrifying for most parents. What if the teacher forgets and gives them something with dairy? What happens when their friend tries to share their peanut butter sandwich? Will they have to sit alone at the allergy table for lunch? Did they remember to take their EpiPen on the field trip? The worry is constant, but now, there is a new resource to help!

My name is Deana Glenn, and I am the founder of the Calmergé app. It is a free app to connect parents with teachers and help keep children safe with the anonymous sharing of health and allergy information, a patent pending feature. 

Teachers first create an account and share their unique access code with the parents. Then, parents are able to create a secure profile for their child and share their allergies, symptoms with exposure, and if they carry an EpiPen with the teacher. All parents will be anonymously notified of the classroom allergies, so they know which foods to avoid sending to school. With food allergies on the rise, it can often be too much for a teacher to keep track of, especially if they have multiple students with food allergies. Now, teachers can view a list of their students and their allergies in one convenient place. 

In addition to sharing allergy information, parents may also notify the teacher and anonymously notify all other parents of a new communicable disease in real time. Earlier notifications allow other parents to monitor their own children for symptoms, helping to slow the spread of contagious illnesses. 

Calmergé also promotes communication between parents and teachers with the ability to send and receive messages, pictures, videos, and documents. Teachers can communicate individually with parents or send out classroom announcements. Teachers can update the classroom calendar with holidays or special events the parents can view. Teachers may even call or email parents right from the app!

Teachers are able to create snack sign ups on the calendar, and parents can choose from allergy safe foods pre-selected by the teacher. Parents can view what snacks are being brought everyday and can set reminders for their day to bring snacks. Teachers can also easily update parents daily on the amount of snack eaten and the length of nap taken. 

The idea for Calmergé came to me when I was asked to bring snacks for my son’s Pre-K classroom. He was assigned a day once a month on a paper calendar. The only rules were no foods with nuts and nothing that had to be refrigerated. I never knew what he was eating and found myself needing reminders with my busy schedule. I also worried about classroom allergies besides peanuts. 

Fast forward 3 years, and my 5 year old daughter had a severe allergic reaction to shrimp, just weeks before my app launched. Her blood test showed allergies to scallops, tuna, and hazelnuts as well. I now carry an EpiPen everywhere we go. As a new food allergy mom, I’m excited an app like Calmergé exists. My goal is to help spread food allergy awareness and keep our children safer at school. 

If you have any questions or would like help getting Calmerge' set up at your child's school, you can contact me directly at [email protected].

Read more at: https://calmergeapp.com/

Watch a video walkthrough of Calmerge' on our Facebook Page: 
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