Handling the Holidays can be difficult, especially when extended family members and friends are not aware, or knowledgeable about the impact of food allergies.  Remember, buffets and potlucks are one of the most common places for inadvertent exposures to occur.  Even if your dish is safe, cross-contamination may occur with other serving utensils.  We can all be safe by remembering the mottos:

“When in doubt – go without” 

“No label – No Thank-you” 

“Be Smart, Be Safe, Be Sure”

Additional tips to keep in mind:

• Update your emergency kit with a non-expired EpiPen (or two), Benedryl, and your rescue inhaler if needed.  Remember, epinephrine must remain at room temperature, extreme cold or heat (i.e. keeping it in your car’s glove box) will reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

• Pack a safe meal and treats, or eat in advance to reduce desire for snacking.

• Keep a close eye on those little ones: eye-level plates and bowls left on coffee tables can be very tempting!

• Place all snack and candy dishes on a counter to prevent little ones from sampling, or safer yet, ask the host to remove completely.

• Remind everyone to not feed your child – only you should be in control of what they can and cannot eat!  This can be hard to explain to well-meaning adults who think “just a taste” is ok.

Click for Holiday Recipes and Egg Replacers.