Kids, tree nut allergies and foods.....

My granddaughter was diagnosed with severe tree nut allergies, mainly cashews, pistachios, and walnuts. The allergist said to avoid giving her ANY tree nuts for now (she's only 2) My daughter is going crazy reading every package before she buys. She has been trying to find some snacks that are "safe" She has looked an Entenmans products so that when she goes to someones house she can bring something my granddaughter can eat too. Some of entenmans products specifiy in the allergy warning that they may contain pecans or walnuts or whatever. Some of their products don't say anything so she thought they are "safe". Now we're wondering. All these things are processed in the same factory, and depending on when they are made, they may have been exposed to some of the things she's allergic to even if it's not actually listed. Does anyone give their children entenmans products if there is no listing warning about tree nuts? They told us that when they process their cakes/cookies. the begin with the things with nuts, etc. and then clean the machinesand process other items. They may make 10 different things. The first may have nuts and the others may not. We don't know exactly how sensitive she is and if she would have a reaction if there happened to be a "trace" in what she ate. Sorry this is so long, but we're trying to figure thing out.

Re: Kids, tree nut allergies and foods.....

Well, take what I am going to say with a grain of salt because the information is 20 years old. I knew someone who had a family member who had a nut allergy. The person ate an Entenmann's cake that was not labeled properly. She had an anaphylactic reaction & she died. She was about 50 years old & knew to check labels. Her estate then sued Entenmann's. Like I said, it was a long, long time ago but it is so scary. I believe they are now supposed to label foods that are manufactured in plants where there could be cross contamination but you should check on that.

Re: Kids, tree nut allergies and foods.....

1st off I personally won't allow my girls to eat any entamenns products, neither do many of my friends. I would not give your DGC their products. My allergist says they give many people reactions. They gave my older DD hives and it didn't contain anything we know she is allergic to (she is not allergic to nuts).

I would go to the parenting or school age board and ask for snack suggestions. There are plenty of nut free kids on here. You won't get a big response on health. We know tons of kids with tree nut allergies and they eat very well. They can recommend a bunch of products.

Have you checked out some food allergy websites? There are some support, info sites that might help you.

Message edited 2/26/2013 5:41:35 AM.

Re: Kids, tree nut allergies and foods.....

My son is now 20 and was diagnosed with a tree nut allergy at 5. He did eat one of their products and did have a reaction, but this was also about 10 years ago.

Re: Kids, tree nut allergies and foods.....

My son is 28 months and has a moderate tree nut allergy, but a very severe peanut allergy (in fact, the maximum possible!). Yes, I do give him Entenmann's--he had like a dozen Pop Ems last week...lol.

This is what I figure:
~For two years he'd been eating Entenmann's, Dunkin' Donuts, and whatever else. He never had a reaction.
~I read all food labels and avoid food processed with any kind of nuts.
~Entenmann's is a large company and as such (especially today when everyone and his mother is "anaphylactic") wants to avoid lawsuits. Maybe I'm too trusting, but I believe their labels to be accurate. His allergist feels it's the local bakeries at which you should take more precautions.
~He is never alone eating food.
~I carry Benadryl and an Epi Pen wherever we go.
~150 people a year die from ALL food allergies; I think maybe you have better odds of being struck by lightening.
~I am very laid back as a parent.

So, that's me...

Re: Kids, tree nut allergies and foods.....

As far as bringing snacks to playdates and what not, what about fruit? Also, I know Teddy Grahams and Goldfish are fine...

I also agree with checking allergy websites; they usually have very good information.

Message edited 2/26/2013 9:50:59 AM.