Kids with Nut Allergies

[happybratpack]

Hi All

I'm not a parent, but I have a Little Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters who is allergic to nuts. Being the overprotective paranoid person I am, I'm having a hard time planning some of our dining outings. Any tips for avoiding foods cooked in peanut oil, contact with nuts, etc???

I guess I've really never given it any thought (no need to, thank goodness), but now I'm worried about everywhere I take her.

Thanks!!

 

[luvmy3]

Is she allergic to peanuts or tree nuts?

 

[happybratpack]

Peanuts

She doesn't have a life-threatening reaction, but has sick stomach and breaks out. I just want to avoid it at all costs.

 

[Erin1700]

Stay away from Chik Fil A.
Otherwise, call places before hand, they usually are happy to let you know if they use peanuts or peanut oil!

 

[luvmy3]

First start by reading all labels of what you plan on feeding her, if it contains peanuts, or may contain peanuts or was processed in a plant that processes peanuts it must be labeled.
Ask questions when you order out.

 

[Christine]

Most fast food places are okay. McDonald's, Wendy's, Arby's, etc. They often do have nuts on some of their dishes (McD's has them on the desserts, Wendy's has them on salads) but you will be fine if you stick to burgers and fries.

My son has a peanut allergy and we do eat at Chick-Fil-A. They used American made peanut oil which is heat pressed so the allergenic protein has been destroyed. That is our choice and it works for us but I'm not going to encourage you to go that route as you are not the parent of this child.

It might help if you tell us what type of dining options you are looking at. Fast food, sit-down restaurants?

 

[vettechick99]

My DD3 is highly allergic to all nuts. McDs and Chick fil A are fine - she eats them occasionally. They use highly refined peanut oil which is fine. I would avoid Dairy Queen for cross-contamination issues.

 

[Music City Mama]

First start by reading all labels of what you plan on feeding her, if it contains peanuts, or may contain peanuts or was processed in a plant that processes peanuts it must be labeled.Ask questions when you order out.

That part is actually incorrect. Unfortunately, current laws only require them to list it if it actually contains. Most companies will list the "may contain" warning and many will list the made on shared equipment or same facility warning, but they are not required to by law. A perfect example is ice cream. You rarely see warnings on ice cream packages unless it actually contains.

Most fast food places are okay. McDonald's, Wendy's, Arby's, etc. They often do have nuts on some of their dishes (McD's has them on the desserts, Wendy's has them on salads) but you will be fine if you stick to burgers and fries.

My son has a peanut allergy and we do eat at Chick-Fil-A. They used American made peanut oil which is heat pressed so the allergenic protein has been destroyed. That is our choice and it works for us but I'm not going to encourage you to go that route as you are not the parent of this child.

It might help if you tell us what type of dining options you are looking at. Fast food, sit-down restaurants?

I agree that this kind of thing is a personal choice. We don't eat at Chick-Fil-A because the closest one is 25 minutes away (and I prefer other fast food chains if we're going to eat fast food), but my peanut-allergic DS has mild eczema and we use a peanut oil based prescription when he has flare-ups -- so I am comfortable with refined peanut oil -- but like you, I would never encourage anyone else to go that route unless they've done their research and know what they're comfortable with.

 

[kimblebee]

Maybe luvmy3 is in Canada because I know up here all our packages are labelled that it contains nuts, may contain nuts, or is processed in a plant that processes nuts.

I have a nut allergy and I am very careful about asking if a food I'm not sure about contains nuts or has come in contact with them.

 

[Christine]

Maybe luvmy3 is in Canada because I know up here all our packages are labelled that it contains nuts, may contain nuts, or is processed in a plant that processes nuts.

I have a nut allergy and I am very careful about asking if a food I'm not sure about contains nuts or has come in contact with them.

Canada has ALWAYS had much better labeling practices.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

My DD has been ok with McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, and local pizza places (we go to them b/c my dad serves them so we know what is in their kitchens) but she has never had dominos or pizza hut so I can't help you there.

We don't usually take her to places like Fridays, but we id have outback and had no problems, just inform the server of the allergy.

I read people having reactions at Olive Garden, who knew.

We NEVER do ice cream places or bakeries.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Canada has ALWAYS had much better labeling practices.

AGREED!
They actually have that law, Sabrina's Law I think it was?

 

[Christine]

but she has never had dominos or pizza hut so I can't help you there.

We don't usually take her to places like Fridays, but we id have outback and had no problems, just inform the server of the allergy.

I read people having reactions at Olive Garden, who knew.

My son has eaten dominos and/or pizza hut with no problems.

As for Olive Garden we haven't eaten there is years but it would not surprise. I don't think they use peanuts in anything but the do use pine nuts in some things. Pine nuts are as allergenic as other nuts/legumes and they often cross contaminate with different nuts at the factories they are processed in.

 

[disfan07]

I am severely allergic to peanuts (cross-contamination allergic) adn I go to:

Burger King
Wendys
McDonalds
Olive Garden
Red Robin
Fridays
Pizza Hut
Quiznos
Cheesecake Factory
Islands
BJs
Marmelade Cafe

Also, as far as chick-fil-a adn peanut oil, My allergist told me that yes, there have been studies that peanut oil is okay for SOME people with peanut allergies but not everyone. A lot of it depends on the temperatue of the oil. If it is undercooked and not hot enough, there could be a problem. And also, the severeity of teh allergy depends on the problem as well. She tells all of her patients not to eat peanut oil because its just a risk that she doesnt want them to take but obviously it is a personal choice.

 

[Erin1700]

I am severely allergic to peanuts (cross-contamination allergic) adn I go to:

Burger King
Wendys
McDonalds
Olive Garden
Red Robin
Fridays
Pizza Hut
Quiznos
Cheesecake Factory
Islands
BJs
Marmelade Cafe

Also, as far as chick-fil-a adn peanut oil, My allergist told me that yes, there have been studies that peanut oil is okay for SOME people with peanut allergies but not everyone. A lot of it depends on the temperatue of the oil. If it is undercooked and not hot enough, there could be a problem. And also, the severeity of teh allergy depends on the problem as well. She tells all of her patients not to eat peanut oil because its just a risk that she doesnt want them to take but obviously it is a personal choice.

My son had a reaction to Chik fil a so we avoid it. Drs told us not to go there.
Olive Garden...thanks for the tip I never knew that one.

Oh, do not go to 5 Guys either!

 

[mlynn]

I would contact her parents and see what they allow.
My daughter has Chick Fil a and we fry our Thanksgiving Turkey. So see what they want you to do is the b est advice I can give you.

 

[abdmom]

Don't go to Chinese or Japanese. I've heard of peanut butter in chili.

 

[SandrA9810]

I would just ask the kid what she likes to eat. I don't think she's going to put herself in danger, and probably already knows the list of "safe places" and what's safe to order. You can also ask the parent where they're comfortable with her going. I just can't picture the child putting herself in danger like that.