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 112 or 999 straight away.
• read an Irish food label for the 14 allergens, including bold allergens, ingredient names in brackets and 'may contain' statements, and ask for written allergen information when food has no label.
• 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 creche, childminder 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, public health 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 Ireland.

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

   The 14 Allergens Checklist

2. 2Recognising a Reaction and Anaphylaxis

   How to spot mild, moderate and severe reactions, and exactly what to do when anaphylaxis means calling 112 or 999.

   • Signs of an allergic reaction
   • Anaphylaxis: always call 112 or 999
   • Allergy action plans and prescribed medicines

   Emergency Information Sheet

3. 3The 14 Allergens and Reading Irish Labels

   The 14 allergens that must be declared under Irish and EU law, how to read ingredients lists and 'may contain' warnings, and the rules for food sold loose or packed in the shop.

   • The 14 allergens in Irish and EU law
   • Reading ingredients lists and 'may contain' warnings
   • Loose foods, written allergen information and allergy alerts

   The 14 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, 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. 6Creche, School and Growing Independence

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

   • Working with creche, childminders and school
   • Teaching your child, age by age

   Creche and School Allergy Information Template

7. 7Babies, Balanced Diets and Looking After Yourself

   HSE advice on introducing 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 14 Allergens ChecklistEmergency Information Sheet

• ListThe 14 Allergens ChecklistMark which of the 14 allergens that must be declared under Irish and EU law your child must avoid, and see where each one often hides.
• CardsLabel Checking CardA pocket card set that walks you through checking any Irish food label, or a café's written allergen information, 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.
• TemplateCreche and School Allergy Information TemplateGive your child's creche, childminder 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 112 or 999 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.