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.
• recognize the signs of a mild reaction and the signs of anaphylaxis, and know that anaphylaxis means using prescribed epinephrine and calling 911 straight away.
• read a US food label for the 9 major food allergens, including ingredient names in parentheses, 'Contains' statements 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 a daycare, babysitter 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 your child's pediatrician or allergist, 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 the US.

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

   The 9 Major Food Allergens Checklist

2. 2Recognizing a Reaction and Anaphylaxis

   How to spot mild, moderate and severe reactions, and exactly what to do when anaphylaxis means epinephrine and calling 911.

   • Signs of an allergic reaction
   • Anaphylaxis: epinephrine and 911
   • Allergy emergency plans and prescribed medicines

   Emergency Information Sheet

3. 3The 9 Major Allergens and Reading US Labels

   The 9 major food allergens US law requires on labels, how to read ingredients lists, 'Contains' and 'may contain' statements, and what labeling law does not cover.

   • The 9 major food allergens in the US
   • Reading ingredients lists, 'Contains' and 'may contain'
   • What US labeling law covers, recalls and alerts

   The 9 Major Food Allergens ChecklistLabel 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, takeout, travel, parties and playdates so your child can join in safely.

   • Eating out and takeout with confidence
   • Vacations and travel
   • Parties, playdates and special occasions

   Eating-Out Allergy Card

6. 6Daycare, School and Growing Independence

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

   • Working with daycare, babysitters and school
   • Teaching your child, age by age

   Daycare and School Allergy Information Template

7. 7Babies, Balanced Diets and Looking After Yourself

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

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

   The 9 Major Food Allergens ChecklistEmergency Information Sheet

• ListThe 9 Major Food Allergens ChecklistMark which of the 9 major food allergens declared on US labels your child must avoid, and see where each one often hides.
• CardsLabel Checking CardA pocket card set that walks you through checking any US food label for your child's allergens in under a minute.
• TemplateEating-Out Allergy CardCreate a clear, printable card to hand to restaurant, cafe or takeout staff so the chef knows exactly what your child must avoid.
• TemplateDaycare and School Allergy Information TemplateGive your child's daycare, babysitter 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 911 at the top.
• CheckerAllergy-Aware Kitchen CheckCheck the habits already in place in your kitchen to see where small changes could cut the risk of cross-contact.