Allergy Eggs-ploration
A food allergy reaction happens when an immune response occurs, and your body reacts as if the food item is an invader or a harmful substance. An allergic reaction can be mild or severe and symptoms can occur within minutes or up to hours later. Examples of symptoms can be hives, rash, flushed skin, coughing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, tongue, or lips, etc. The onset of food allergies can occur at any age.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), requires manufactures to label their ingredients and inform the consumer of any top allergens, including egg. If you have a known egg allergy it is especially important to read the ingredient lists carefully every time you eat a product. Having the proper medications with you, such as an EpiPen is important. Always communicate and educate those around you to help assist staying safe from your egg allergy.
With the FALCPA in place, it creates more comfort and security for those who have food allergies. Even with the regulation, it is still important to know what foods could contain eggs to make sure you are educated about your allergen. Now we are not going to go through every single possibility but will include quite a few to help assist. Foods that you will want to avoid if you have an egg allergy include: egg, eggnog, mayonnaise, surimi, pudding, custard, salad dressing, etc. “Several terms indicate that egg products have been used in manufacturing processed foods, including: Albumin, Globulin, Lecithin, Livetin, Lysozyme, Vitellin, Words starting with “ova” or “ovo, such as ovalbumin or ovoglobulin.” (Egg Allergy - Symptoms and Causes, 2020). More investigation will be necessary by reading the ingredient lists for items such as pasta, ice cream, baked goods, marshmallow, meatballs, breaded items, soups, ethnic dishes, etc. Continue to watch and reduce any possibilities of cross contact, to review cross contact click here.
“Some shots to prevent illness (vaccines) contain egg proteins.
In some people, these vaccines pose a risk of triggering an allergic reaction. Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines are generally safe for children with egg allergy, even though eggs are used to produce them. Flu (influenza) vaccines sometimes contain small amounts of egg proteins. However, a flu vaccine that doesn't contain these proteins is approved for use in adults age 18 and older. And even vaccines that do have egg proteins can be given safely to most people with egg allergy without any problems. If you or your child has had a reaction to eggs in the past, talk to your doctor before getting a flu vaccination. Yellow fever vaccine can provoke an allergic reaction in some people who have egg allergy. It's given to travelers entering countries where there's a risk of contracting yellow fever. It's not generally recommended for people with egg allergy but is sometimes given under medical supervision after testing for a reaction. Other vaccines are generally not risky for people who have egg allergy. But ask your doctor, just to be safe. If your doctor is concerned about a vaccine, he or she may test you or your child to see whether it is likely to cause a reaction.” (Egg Allergy - Symptoms and Causes, 2020).
“Experts estimate that as many as 2 percent of children are allergic to eggs. Fortunately, studies show that about 70 percent of children with an egg allergy will outgrow the condition by age 16.” (Egg Allergy, 2019). This is an encouraging statistic, but as always, please consult your medical team to confirm what is safe to consume based on your individual food allergies.
“Many recipes can be modified to avoid the need for eggs. When recipes call for three or fewer eggs, substitute each egg with a mixture of 1 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Alternative substitutes are 1 packet of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 2 tablespoons of warm water (mixed when ready to use), or 1 teaspoon of yeast dissolved in cup of warm water.” (Egg Allergy, 2019)
When it comes to having food allergies, whether it is one or many, always focus on what you can eat and not what you can’t. When having this mentality, you are able to enjoy so many delicious food products!
References:
Egg Allergy. (2019, March 21). ACAAI Public Website. https://acaai.org/allergies/types-allergies/food-allergy/types-food-allergy/egg-allergy
Egg allergy - Symptoms and causes. (2020, September 3). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/egg-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372115