An increasing number of people have food allergies or require special diets, and they are dining out more often. As a food service professional, how do you accommodate the needs of these customers? Serving People with Food Allergies: Kitchen Management and Menu Creation brings together a vast store of knowledge and practical advice for people worki

Over the past 20 years, public concerns have grown in response to the apparent rising prevalence of food allergy and related atopic conditions, such as eczema. Although evidence on the true prevalence of food allergy is complicated by insufficient or inconsistent data and studies with variable methodologies, many health care experts who care for patients agree that a real increase in food allergy has occurred and that it is unlikely to be due simply to an increase in awareness and better tools for diagnosis. Many stakeholders are concerned about these increases, including the general public, policy makers, regulatory agencies, the food industry, scientists, clinicians, and especially families of children and young people suffering from food allergy. At the present time, however, despite a mounting body of data on the prevalence, health consequences, and associated costs of food allergy, this chronic disease has not garnered the level of societal attention that it warrants. Moreover, for patients and families at risk, recommendations and guidelines have not been clear about preventing exposure or the onset of reactions or for managing this disease. Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy examines critical issues related to food allergy, including the prevalence and severity of food allergy and its impact on affected individuals, families, and communities; and current understanding of food allergy as a disease, and in diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and public policy. This report seeks to: clarify the nature of the disease, its causes, and its current management; highlight gaps in knowledge; encourage the implementation of management tools at many levels and among many stakeholders; and delineate a roadmap to safety for those who have, or are at risk of developing, food allergy, as well as for others in society who are responsible for public health.

For children with food allergies, eating—one of the basic functions of life—can be a nightmare. Children who suffer or become dangerously ill after eating peanuts, seafood, milk, eggs, wheat, or a host of other foods require constant vigilance from caring, concerned parents, teachers, and friends. In this empathetic and comprehensive guide, Dr. Scott H. Sicherer, a specialist in pediatric food allergies, gives parents the information they need to manage their children’s health and quality of life. He describes why children develop food allergy, the symptoms of food allergy (affecting the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory system), and the role of food allergy in behavioral problems and developmental disabilities. Parents will learn how to recognize emergency situations, how to get the most out of a visit with an allergist, what allergy test results mean, and how to protect their children—at home, at school, at summer camp, and in restaurants. Informative, compassionate, and practical, this guide will be indispensable for parents, physicians, school nurses, teachers, and everyone else who cares for children with food allergies.

Applying a scientific approach this unique book covers both pediatric and adult adverse reactions to foods and food additives. Following the successful formula of the previous editions, Food Allergy has established itself asthe comprehensive reference for those treating patients with food allergy or suspected allergy. The book has been thoroughly revised and updated presenting new chapters devoted to food biotechnology and genetic engineering, seafood toxins, future approaches to therapy and hidden food allergens. Food Allergy, fourth edition, is divided into five sections featuring key concept boxes for each chapter. Displayed in a logical manner the book is a practical, readable reference for use in the hospital or private practice setting.

Presenting up-to-date information on current diagnostic methods and treatment options, this guide describes the effects of food allergies on the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory and digestive tracts; discusses treatment by allergists and other healthcare professionals; and empowers readers to manage their food allergies.

This volume identifies gaps in the assessment, management, and communication of food allergen risks. Chapters showcase best practices in managing allergen risks at various stages of the food chain, including during food manufacture/processing; during food preparation in food service, retail food establishments, and in the home; and at the point of consumption. The authors highlight key legislative initiatives that are in various stages of development and implementation at the federal, state and community levels. Finally, the volume includes recommendations for ways to build and strengthen education and outreach efforts at the food industry, government, institutional, and community levels. Chapters come from an array of experts, including researchers and key stakeholders from government, the food industry, retail/food service groups, and consumer groups. The information presented will facilitate the development of educational materials and allergen management training programs for food production and service staff, extension specialists, and government inspectors. Consumers and other food safety professionals will also benefit from information on food allergen control measures that have been put in place across the food chain.

A guide to food allergies that provides information on creating and maintaining a healthy intestinal boundary, related conditions, label reading, celiac disease, nutrition planning, and other related topics; and includes recipes.

Food allergies are increasing in prevalence. Symptoms of an allergic response range in severity from a rash or itchiness to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Food allergies are managed by avoidance of all foods containing the allergen. It is increasingly important that food service employees are aware of common food allergens and how to prevent cross-contamination when preparing food for the public and hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to provide an in-service to the food service staff of Einstein Medical Center Montgomery to improve their understanding of food allergies and preventing cross-contamination and evaluate change in employee knowledge. The study utilized a quasi-experimental, pre/post test design with a convenience population of staff of Einstein Medical Center Montgomery who prepare and serve food for hospitalized patients and customers of the retail cafeteria. The 4 subjects, 3 dietary hostesses and 1 nutrition supervisor, were primarily African American and Latino, all female, and 20-40 years old. An interactive educational intervention was lead by the researcher, a Registered Dietitian at the facility. Knowledge was assessed through a pre/post questionnaire. Results revealed a 20.5% decrease in mean knowledge score. Of the 4 participants, 25% (n=1) revealed an improved post-test score following the intervention. Two subjects showed decreased scores and one subject showed no change in score. This study was limited by the small number of participants and the possibility of 2 subjects not taking sufficient time on the pre- and post-tests. Further research is needed to investigate the role of an RD instructed in-service on change in knowledge of food allergies.