Uncommon Places for Common Allergies

*The list within each food allergen should bring awareness to ingredients in a food product. It should NOT be used as a strict diet plan, NOR should you eat something just because it is not listed.

1.       Milk

For children, Milk is the most common allergy where 1%-2% of children in the US are allergic to milk. It should also be noted that lactose intolerance is NOT the same as milk allergy. Those with milk allergy should avoid dairy products, and even those that are labeled “lactose free”.

Unexpected milk traces can be found:

•         Canned tuna that contain casein
•         Meat products that contain casein
•         Non-dairy products that may contain casein
•         Deli meat that are cut using the same slicers as cheese
•         Butter (of course), but restaurants that put butter on their steak. Usually it is lathered on after it has been grilled and becomes invisible after it has been melted.
•         Formula for babies

2.       Shellfish

Those with shellfish allergies are to practice strict avoidance with all things seafood. Crab, lobster and fish is usually the cause for this allergy. You should avoid touching seafood that while in a fish market or being in an area where shellfish are being cooked or boiled. This may include several restaurants that serve fish. Even the air from the steam of shellfish can cause a reaction.

Unexpected shellfish traces can be found:

•         Oyster sauce
•         Cockroaches

3.       Peanuts

Peanut allergies have doubled from 1997 to 2002 as tested on children. These are can cause very serious reactions. Even peanut dust in the air can cause allergic reactions in the person’s throat.

Unexpected peanut traces can be found:

•         Hot sauces, chili sauces, salad dressings and pesto
•         Gravy
•         Cookies
•         Marinades
•         Mexican and Asian dishes that use peanut oil
•         Chik-fil-a (fried in peanut oil)
•         Pet food

4.       Wheat

Wheat is pretty common for children but most usually end up outgrowing this allergy by the time they become adults. You should also practice avoidance to gluten. It may be troubling to change to a wheat-free diet because wheat is the primary grain product in the US. Because of this, you will need to read labels for new food products because wheat is used in a wide variety of food products.

Unexpected wheat traces can be found:

•         Certain brands of ice cream
•         Potato chips
•         Play dough
•         Rice

Read labels carefully as wheat can be food in different brands of the same food product.

5.       Eggs

As with wheat, eggs is an allergy that most outgrow by adulthood. Commonly, allergic reaction toward eggs occur on the skin.

Unexpected wheat traces can be found:

•         Read the label of pasta products
•         Egg wash are often used to glaze buns and pretzels
•         Some foam on coffee or specialty drinks are whipped from egg

6.       Soy

As for wheat, soy can be food in a plethora of food products. It is also very common in processed food. You should console with your dietician or allergist about what type of foods that you should specifically avoid.

Unexpected soy traces can be found:

•         Baked goods
•         Cereal and crackers
•         Baby formula
•         Canned tuna
•         Peanut butter

7.       Fish

One with a fish allergy should avoid touching fish and going to fish markets and, as the shellfish allergy, avoid restaurants that cook fish.

Unexpected fish traces can be found:

•         Steaks, burgers, meatloaf
•         Asian sauces and food
•         Several barbeque sauces
•         Worcestershire

8.       Tree nuts

Tree nuts should also practice the same avoidance as peanut allergies. Usually those with a tree nut allergy are also allergic to peanuts.

Unexpected tree nut traces can be found:

•         Most Barbeque sauces
•         Chicken Breading
•         Honey
•         Pie Crust
•         Veggie burger
•         Pancakes