“Do you just not like them?”
“I never heard about anyone like that when I was a kid.”
“What can you even eat?”
I’ve been living with a life-threatening food allergy for the past two decades. It’s the simplest thing in the world to explain, but I’m astonished at how many people genuinely don’t understand this condition.
But don’t misunderstand; recognition of this disability (and yes, legally it is a disability) is light years away from what it was like when I was child. The incident which led my parents choosing to pull me out of public school for my early education is a fine example.
About 15 years ago, I had to go to daycare while my parents worked. I still remember the big blue index card I wore pinned to my chest, warning every caretaker to keep foods with nuts far away from me. I still go into anaphylactic shock whenever I ingest nuts.
When someone goes into anaphylactic shock, his/her immune system goes into shock, their blood pressure drops and their airways narrow, blocking normal breathing. Untreated, it can lead to unconsciousness and death.
My father came to pick me up from this daycare one day, and to his horror, I had made an arts and craft project which led to my hands and arms being covered in peanut butter. Mind you, I was a toddler with a near compulsion to suck her thumb.
When asked why I had been allowed near the stuff, the caretaker said, “Well, she’s not supposed to eat it!” By some miracle, I was cleaned up without a reaction, but it’s that kind of misunderstanding which very well could have been fatal.
So what can people do to accommodate people with conditions like mine? Everyone’s diagnosis is a little bit different, so having a conversation with the actual person in question is the key. However, there is some general knowledge which could very well save someone’s life.
“How do I identify an allergic reaction?”
I’ve managed to stay out of ERs for the most part, but the USDA estimates that anaphylaxis to food results in 30,000 emergency room visits and 150 deaths in the United States each year. Furthermore, the “symptoms of food allergies typically appear from within minutes or up to two hours after a person has eaten.”
Accidents happen, of course, so listen to the individual describe his/her condition, and make sure you are ready to help. However, children don’t always understand their condition, so make sure to be extremely careful when serving them food.
“How do I know if I’m serving safe foods?”
One of the things I hate about going to other people’s houses to eat is always questioning their cooking. But I literally can’t eat anything unless I see a label first.
People with anaphylaxis have to avoid nuts in all forms. You know all those little labels you avoid looking at? I’ve painstakingly examined every single one.
This is because of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). The law requires “all packaged foods regulated by the FDA must list ‘peanut’ clearly on the ingredient label if it contains peanut.” However, advisory statements such as “may contain peanut” or “made in a facility with peanut” are voluntary.
Check all around the packaging of a particular food to make sure it doesn’t contain nuts. I’d even recommend you keep all the labels at hand so the person with the allergy can check them.
If you plan on making food from scratch (without nuts, of course), contamination is the biggest concern. Make sure all your utensils and surfaces are clean, and try to make sure nuts are far away from the preparation area.
Listen
It’s sometimes hard to explain how nerve-wracking is to not be sure whether something you eat will make you sick. When I’m eating something or somewhere unfamiliar, I find myself almost panicking and constantly checking myself for symptoms.
But when I’m somewhere with someone who wants to understand, it’s the most comforting thing in the world. Finally, I can simply enjoy the company at the table like everyone else.
I promise it’s very simple to make life easier for someone with a food allergy. The only thing that’s required of you is to listen.
