During the holiday season, we look forward to spending time with our loved ones. But for individuals with allergies, sharing a meal can come with serious risk. With store-bought desserts, shared serving spoons, cross contamination, and homemade dishes, it’s easy for allergens to slip through the cracks unnoticed.
Take, for example, what happened to Aunt Tuvia during her family’s Christmas dinner. She decided to be more health conscious and cook a few vegan options, including a rich homemade cashew gravy. Excited to share her dish with her loved ones, she poured a generous amount over her niece’s mashed potatoes. Aunt Tuvia was completely unaware that Semone had a severe nut allergy. Not until Semone began to cough and have trouble breathing did Aunt Tuvia realize something was severely wrong. The family scrambled to help, and Semone’s mother quickly gave an epinephrine injection and called 911.
Aunt Tuvia was devastated. She’d only wanted to contribute to a healthy dish, yet she’d unknowingly put her niece in danger. This experience was a wake-up call about the importance of food allergy awareness, even when there are good intentions.
What happened to Semone is a great reminder that even well-intentioned dishes can have hidden dangers if food allergies are not taken seriously. With clear communication, we can provide a safe environment where everyone feels protected and cared for. This holiday season, prioritize love and caution because keeping our loved ones safe is one of the greatest gifts of all.
Have a Plan to Protect Others
If you’re planning to host or attend a celebration, knowing how to prevent cross contamination and recognize the signs of an allergic reaction can make a huge difference. Follow these seven steps to protect your loved ones:
1. Plan ahead
Plan a menu that has safe options for your guests. When possible, stick with whole food ingredients to minimize cross contamination. If possible, avoid all allergens; even trace amounts can be dangerous for some people.
2. Read all labels diligently
Make sure you read labels thoroughly and carefully. Look out for store-bought items or prepackaged ingredients that may be made in the same facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, etc.
3. Offer separate serving utensils
Provide separate utensils for each dish and label the allergens in each one. Cross contamination can happen easily when serving utensils are shared between multiple dishes.
4. Tell guests about allergies
Before the gathering, ask your guests if they have any food allergies or food restrictions. If someone does have food allergies, communicate this to your other guests. That way they can be mindful of the ingredients in the dishes they bring to prevent accidental exposure.
5. Educate yourself on the signs of a reaction
Know the signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and hives. Mild symptoms can escalate very quickly.
6. Clean thoroughly to avoid cross contamination
Clean all surfaces and utensils, and wash your hands frequently.
7. Have an emergency plan
In the case of an emergency of anaphylaxis, make sure your guest has an epinephrine auto injector and that you or someone present knows how to use it. Call 911 if needed.
Ashira Campbell is a passionate advocate of wellness, empowerment, and transformative justice. She combines creativity, compassion, and conviction to support individuals and challenge systemic barriers.
