Food Allergy Awareness for Parents

What you will be able to do

• explain the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance in plain words.
• recognise the signs of a mild reaction and the signs of anaphylaxis, and know that anaphylaxis means calling 111 straight away.
• read a New Zealand food label for the allergens that must be declared, including bold allergens, the 'Contains' statement and 'may contain' statements.
• set up simple kitchen habits that cut the risk of cross-contact at home.
• prepare for eating out, travel, parties and family visits with a written allergy card.
• share clear, up-to-date allergy information with an early learning service, home-based carer or school.
• teach your child, step by step, to understand and manage their own allergy as they grow.
• You will know when to go back to the GP, Plunket or Well Child Tamariki Ora nurse or allergy team, and where to find support.

1. 1Understanding Food Allergy

   What a food allergy is, how it differs from an intolerance, and how allergies are properly diagnosed in New Zealand.

   • Allergy or intolerance? Knowing the difference
   • How food allergy is diagnosed in New Zealand

   Allergens Checklist (New Zealand declared allergens)

2. 2Recognising a Reaction and Anaphylaxis

   How to spot mild, moderate and severe reactions, and exactly what to do when anaphylaxis means calling 111.

   • Signs of an allergic reaction
   • Anaphylaxis: always call 111
   • Allergy action plans and prescribed medicines

   Emergency Information Sheet

3. 3Declared Allergens and Reading New Zealand Labels

   The allergens New Zealand law requires to be declared, how to read ingredients lists, 'Contains' statements and 'may contain' warnings, and the rules for food sold unpackaged or made on the premises.

   • The allergens New Zealand law requires to be declared
   • Reading ingredients lists and 'may contain' warnings
   • Food made on the premises, unpackaged food and recalls

   Allergens Checklist (New Zealand declared allergens)Label Checking Card

4. 4An Allergy-Aware Home

   Simple kitchen and household habits that cut the risk of cross-contact, plus how to shop, cook and live together as a family.

   • Cross-contact and kitchen habits
   • Shopping and meals that work for everyone
   • Siblings, visitors and family life

   Allergy-Aware Kitchen CheckEmergency Information Sheet

5. 5Eating Out, Travel and Celebrations

   How to plan restaurant meals, takeaways, holidays, parties and playdates so your child can join in safely.

   • Eating out and takeaways with confidence
   • Holidays and travel
   • Parties, playdates and special occasions

   Eating-Out Allergy Card

6. 6Early Learning, School and Growing Independence

   Working with early learning services and schools, and teaching your child to manage their own allergy at each age, including the teenage years.

   • Working with early learning services, home-based carers and school
   • Teaching your child, age by age

   Early Learning and School Allergy Information Template

7. 7Babies, Balanced Diets and Looking After Yourself

   New Zealand advice on introducing common allergy foods to babies, keeping a restricted diet balanced, and managing the worry that often comes with food allergy.

   • Introducing common allergy foods to babies
   • Keeping a restricted diet balanced
   • Managing worry and finding support

   Allergens Checklist (New Zealand declared allergens)Emergency Information Sheet

• ListAllergens Checklist (New Zealand declared allergens)Mark which of the allergens New Zealand law requires to be declared your child must avoid, and see where each one often hides.
• CardsLabel Checking CardA pocket card set that walks you through checking any New Zealand food label for your child's allergens in under a minute.
• TemplateEating-Out Allergy CardCreate a clear, printable card to hand to restaurant, café or takeaway staff so the chef knows exactly what your child must avoid.
• TemplateEarly Learning and School Allergy Information TemplateGive your child's early learning service, home-based carer or school one clear page about their allergy, medicines and contacts, ready for a planning meeting.
• TemplateEmergency Information SheetOne page that tells any adult caring for your child what to look for and what to do in an allergic emergency, with 111 at the top.
• CheckerAllergy-Aware Kitchen CheckTick the habits already in place in your kitchen to see where small changes could cut the risk of cross-contact.