Most common food allergens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Milk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Soy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wheat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Peanuts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tree nuts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sesame<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fish<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shellfish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Milk is the most common<\/a> allergen for children. Egg and peanut are the next most common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What To Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n![\"Common](\"https:\/\/entsalem.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Common-food-allergens-1280x769.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAllergic conditions<\/a> are one of the most common health issues<\/a> affecting children in the U.S. So, there are some points to consider when shopping for lunch options at Lifesource Natural Foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for managing allergies at school:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Understand ingredient labels and help your child to learn as well. This will help you identify allergens in packaged foods. It\u2019s important to know what\u2019s in your child\u2019s food and to be able to let others know as well. The FDA requires all food labels to include the top eight most common allergens plainly, so it\u2019s easy to identify. However, it\u2019s still important to check ingredients every time in case a recipe that was once allergy-friendly has since changed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Help your child understand what they\u2019re allergic to. This will help them identify foods that could cause an allergic reaction. It is also helpful to teach them how to ask questions to other adults and to explain their allergy. Foodallergy.org<\/a> has helpful tips for teaching a child how to identify \u201csafe\u201d foods versus \u201cunsafe\u201d foods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Think of allergies as an opportunity to explore new foods. It can be more fun for a child to focus on what they can have, as opposed to what they can\u2019t. It\u2019s also important for maintaining optimal nutrition to include a wide variety of food groups in their meals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wash hands while prepping lunches to promote overall food safety habits and avoid cross-contamination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A quick Google search for \u201callergen-free school lunches\u201d can yield allergen-free meals results and tips. Children\u2019s Health<\/a> has a free, downloadable guide for allergen-free meal ideas. It\u2019s important to thoroughly research allergens to ensure meal ideas are compliant for your child. A doctor can also assist you <\/a>with understanding safe allergy-free options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For questions about allergens or to schedule an allergy test, contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n