How to Cook for a Child With a Peanut Allergy

Eating out can be challenging for a child with a peanut allergy. Chinese food, Mexican food and Thai food commonly contain peanut. Other restaurants often use peanut to thicken chili and gravy. Cooking at home for a child with an allergy to peanut is simple and cuts down the risk of an accidental peanut ingestion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

In the Kitchen

1. Leave all food containing peanuts at the grocery store. If you do keep peanut products for other family members treat them just as you would any dangerous substance.

2. Keep a special cabinet labeled and out of reach. Make sure everyone living in your home or staying with your children knows that the cabinet is off limits for the child with the allergy.

3. Watch your cooling utensils when cooking with items containing peanut. Don't use the same utensil in any food prepared for the child with the allergy. It is best to use plastic utensils and throw them away when you are finished.

4. Wash your hands well after using peanut-containing products. Make sure anyone who eats the peanut product thoroughly washes hands and face immediately after eating.

5. Use a paper towel to clean up any peanut left on surfaces. It is impossible to get all particles of peanut butter out of a sponge.

At the Grocery Store

6. Read the ingredient statement, found at the end of the ingredient list, for a dish you are going to prepare. It will list any food that is a common allergy food. If there is no ingredient statement, don't use the product.

7. Avoid packaged nuts, chocolate candies, deli counters, bulk items and nuts in the produce section as they are at risk for cross-contamination. Look for tree nuts sold by a local grower and ask if there is a chance the nuts have come into contact with peanut.

8. Substitute another nut butter for peanut butter in recipes. Soy butter with honey and sunflower butter are close in texture and taste similar to peanut butter.

9. Check the label and make sure nut butters are not manufactured with peanut products.

10. Use fresh produce; it is always safe and has the benefit of being healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• A peanut allergy can be life threatening. Be sure you have a good doctor who will give you an action plan for dealing with the allergy.
• Know what is in a meal that another person cooks for your child. Minute quantities of peanut can cause an allergic reaction. Many people who have not researched peanut allergy or who do not have experience with the allergy are under the impression that if a food doesn't contain peanuts or peanut butter it is safe. Many packaged foods contain traces of peanut and should be avoided in cooking.
• Never assume a food is safe. If you do not have allergy information, avoid using it.

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Resources

• Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network has info on peanut allergies.
• Food Allergy Alliance is a valuable allergy resource.

[GreenMomma]

on 9/26/2007 Very sound advice.