Living with allergies

Many foods are likely to cause allergic creations. In fact, more than 160 foods can cause allergic reactions in Canada alone.

If you think you have food allergies, you should see a doctor so you can confirm which allergens are causing a reaction and receive the appropriate care.

For now, there is no way to cure food allergies. Prevention, by avoiding allergens, is still the best option. 

Here are some precautions to take if you have allergies or are caring for someone who does.

Read labels

It’s important to pay close attention to labels. 

• Take the time to read the information on all packaging.
• Only eat products that have an ingredient list.
• Ask restaurant managers for the list of ingredients used to prepare their dishes. Restaurant managers are responsible for keeping their customers informed.

Nut-free and peanut-free food

When grocery shopping, it can be hard to find food that is completely nut-free and peanut-free. These allergens can be in almost everything.

It is best to exercise caution.

• Carefully check the ingredient list on all packaging and pay close attention to “contains” and “may contain” statements. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
• Make sure to keep your auto-injector with you at all times. Even if there is no “may contain” statement on the packaging, there is no guarantee that the product has not been contaminated by nuts or peanuts.
• Ask the store clerk if you are purchasing bulk products or individual portions that do not have an ingredient list.

Tell people about your allergies

Make sure that the people who prepare meals at your home, at restaurants or at friends’ homes are aware of your allergies. With that information, they can take measures to avoid contamination and tell you if there are any ingredients you are allergic to. You must make sure that these people know about all potential sources of the allergen and that they don’t put any of them in the food they make.

Be careful! Even the tiniest amount of an allergen can cause a very serious reaction. In extreme cases, just breathing allergen particles released into the air by cooking can trigger allergic reactions.

It is invaluable and essential for everyone to work together so you don’t come into contact with allergens. The people around you should also learn the protocol for administering epinephrine-adrenaline with an auto-injector.

Watch out for direct and cross-contamination

Allergens may accidentally end up in food that did not contain them initially.

• Watch out for food served at buffets or sold in bulk. Serving utensils may have been used for other products.
• Avoid food cut up in the grocery store. Allergens may have contaminated the cutting board.
• Watch out for coffee grinders that may have been used for coffee flavoured with hazelnuts or other allergens.

Keep an epinephrine-adrenaline auto-injector on you

If your allergist has prescribed you an epinephrine-adrenaline auto-injector, you must have it on hand at all times. You and the people around you must know how to use it.

In the event of a serious reaction, administering epinephrine-adrenaline is the only appropriate intervention. Note that medical supervision is crucial in the hours after an epinephrine-adrenaline injection.

For more information on epinephrine-adrenaline injectors:

• Allergy Quebec 
• Hygiene and safety in the workplace  
• Injection protocol  (French only)