Food Allergies, Grocery Shopping and Taking Precautions During COVID-19 Pandemic

Food Allergy

Posted by Hamsa Subramanian, MD, Allergist and Immunologist on Thursday, April 30, 2020 in Allergy and Immunology

As families spend more time indoors, parents are searching for new activities to keep the kids busy. I commonly hear that families have turned to baking and cooking as a creative way to fill time.

For children with food allergies, it’s important to be careful and maintain a safe environment while working in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy cooking activities with proper precautions.

Designate a shopper for the family. The designated shopper should be educated about the child’s food allergy as well as potential cross-contaminants. Different brands of the same food could have different ingredients. Many retailers will not let you return sold goods, so it is advisable to do your homework online before buying a product.

Communicate with your child who has food allergies. Educate your child on his or her allergy, and allow the child to be responsible for the food he or she eats. Guidance at every step can help ease children’s anxieties and fears. Encourage siblings and other family members in the house to follow the same food rules.

Make sure you have an updated EpiPen. Teach other family members how to use these devices in case of an emergency.

Do not hesitate to call my office at 314-872-3104 for an appointment or for a virtual visit if you have any concerns. +

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  1. allergies
  2. allergy
  3. covid-19
  4. food
  5. hamsa subramanian