When a child is diagnosed with a food allergy, such as a peanut allergy, parents may be overwhelmed and do not know how they should manage their child’s food allergy and where to start.  Parents worry about accidental exposure at schools, birthday parties, restaurants, etc.

The first place parents can start is at home.  It is also one of the easier places to manage, and the place where parents have complete control of the foods their child is exposed to.  The home should be a more relaxed place for the child and the parents.

One thing parents often wonder is whether they should ban the food allergen completely.  For example, if a child is allergic to peanuts, should peanut butter be kept in the house at all?  Some parents decide to ban the food completely because it is easier.  Some parents decide to keep it in their home, but take precautions to avoid accidental exposure.  Every family’s lifestyle and needs are different.  Parents need to consider several factors in order to make the best decision for the family.  Some of the factors include:

• If the food is banned from the house, how will it affect other family members such as siblings? Will it be difficult for them?
• If the food is banned from the house, how will the child with the food allergy learn how to manage his food allergy outside the home?
• How will the family’s quality of life be affected if the food is banned?
• How old are all of the children in the home, including the child with the food allergy?  The children’s age should be considered because it may be harder for young children to follow the safety precautions.

The type of food allergen should be considered as well.  Some food allergens are easier to ban than other foods.  For example, making a home peanut free may be easier than eliminating wheat.

Tips For Keeping A Home Safe If The Food Allergen Is Not Banned In The Home

If parents decide against banning the food allergen, below are some tips the family can follow to ensure that the child with the food allergy is not accidently exposed to the food allergen:

• make sure everyone washes their hands before and after eating to avoid transfer of food allergens,
• make sure to clean the tables and countertops where food is being prepared,
• make sure to use different cooking utensils and pots when making a meal that contains a food allergen and a meal that does not contain the food allergen in order to avoid cross-contamination, and
• separate foods that contain the food allergen and designate specific shelves in the refrigerator and pantry for foods that contain the food allergen.

Help After An Accidental Exposure To A Food Allergen Due To Someone’s Negligence Outside The Home

Parents will do everything they can to keep their child from being exposed to a food allergen.  However, accidental exposure can and does happen due to someone’s negligence at a school or restaurant.  In those situations, the child has legal rights against the negligent party if the child suffers a serious allergic reaction.  If you have questions about your child’s legal rights after an allergic reaction due to someone’s negligence, call Daniel J. O’Brien, a PA and NJ personal injury lawyer, to schedule a FREE consultation. 877.944.8396