Created by: Meghan Keenan

Sodexo Dietetic Intern ‘19-20

Diet Technician Inservice (5/15/20): Food Allergies

What Is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a
tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms, such a s digestive
problems, hives or swollen airways.

8 Most Common Food Allergies: Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Soy

Milk
 Lactose Intolerance = inability to break down lactose (a sugar found in milk)
o Symptoms include digestive problems, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea
 Allergy = milk protein triggers the immune system
o Milk is the 3rd most common food (after peanuts, tree nuts) to cause anaphylaxis

Eggs
 1 of the most common allergies for children
 Both, egg yolks and whites, contain proteins that cause allergies but whites are most common

Peanuts & Tree Nuts

 Peanuts are considered legumes, not nuts  Not every patient who is allergic to peanuts, is also
allergic to tree nuts
 However, 25-40% of people with a peanut allergy also react to >1 type of tree nut
 High likelihood of cross-contamination between the two allergies

Fish & Shellfish

 Watch for hidden ingredients be careful of stocks, broths, or flavorings that may contain
fish/shellfish
 Avoid cross-contamination, wash hands and change gloves between trays as needed

Wheat
 Wheat allergy = immune response to the consumption/inhalation of wheat
 Celiac disease = a particular protein found in wheat (specifically Gluten) that causes a GI reaction
 Avoid cross-contamination, possible sources: utensils, toaster, cutting boards, gloves

Soy
 Soy (a product of soybeans) is a difficult ingredient to avoid because it is prevalent in so many
food items.
 In general, products to avoid include: soy milk, tofu, soy sauce, vegetable oil and broth

Take Home Messages:

 ALWAYS clarify severity of allergy with patient and/or family members
 Check for “hidden” ingredients in products and facility information
 Look at the allergy book or ingredient list
 Communicate findings via Kardex, shift pass-off notes, allergy labels/signs, and allergy board in the kitchen
 Add/update allergies in Epic as needed
 Talk to RDN if you have any questions!
 Inservice: Food Allergy Quiz

1. True or False. Food allergies are more common in children than adults.

2. True or False. Small amounts of hard cheeses and yogurts are safe to consume for

certain people with a lactose intolerance.

3. True or False. Small amounts of hard cheeses and yogurts are safe to consume for

certain people with a milk allergy.

4. True or False. If a patient is allergic to peanuts it is not safe for them to consume tree

nuts.

5. True or False. All of the following may contain wheat: bread, soy sauce, ketchup, pasta.

6. True or False. If a person with Celiac Disease consumes a food item contaminated with a

minimal amount of gluten and experiences no symptoms, they did not consume enough

to have a reaction.