BEWARE OF DANGER EVERYWHERE
Many traditional festive sweets and treats are laden with common food allergens – from cakes, biscuits and confectionery to beer. Even ‘safe’ foods, which do not use an allergen such as nuts as an ingredient, can trigger an allergic reaction if they are made using the same equipment with which the allergen has been in contact.

If caution is not exercised, an accidental intake of a food allergen can trigger an allergic reaction that can range from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

It is worth noting that food allergy and food intolerance are very different things. A true food allergy causes the immune system to react on a protein coming from food – that reaction affects many organs in the body and can be life-threatening. Food intolerance, on the other hand, is generally less serious and often limited to digestive issues.

LURKING DANGERS, HIDDEN ALLERGENS
While it is relatively easy to avoid foods that contain allergens as key ingredients, the danger lies in accidentally consuming foods in which allergens are ‘hidden’. Here are some common traps for the unwary.

Gluten/wheat can be found in:

• Beer
• Condiments like soy sauce, gravy, oyster sauce and miso
• Breadcrumbs and stuffing
• Pasta, cakes and bread
• Fried dishes dusted with flour or covered in batter

Soy can be found in:

• Meat substitutes and vegetarian products
• Ice cream

Nuts and peanuts can be found in:

• Chocolates (even the plain chocolates can contain some traces)
• Frying oil
• Marzipan

Fish and shellfish can be found in:

• Stock cubes
• Worcestershire sauce, relishes and dressings

REPLACE, NOT ELIMINATE
“The good news is, with the increase in awareness of food allergies, there are many allergy-friendly products available today. With a little planning, allergy sufferers need not be deprived of seasonal treats,” said Christine.

Here are Christine’s tips for allergy-aware treats and ingredients to add to your holiday shopping list. Do note that some products are in Cold Storage supermarkets for the holiday season only.

The Allergy-Friendly Shopping List

For Indulging

• Homefree Ginger and Mint cookies (dairy-free and gluten-free)
• Mrs Crimbles Gluten Free Crackers
• Walkers Gluten Free Shortbread biscuits
• Sweet Williams Christmas Santa
• Plamil Dairy Free Advent Calendar
• Tru Sweets Candy Canes
• Booja Booja Dairy Free Ice Cream

For Home Baking

• Melinda’s Maple Syrup Pudding Mix
• Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour
• Waitrose Essentials Natural Food Colourings
• Blackwood Allergy-friendly Baking Decorations

For Snacking

• Inspiral Kale Chips
• Ten Acre Hand-made Potato Crisps
• Simply 7 Quinoa Chips
• Saffron Road Chickpea Snacks
• Cruchmaster Popped Edamame Chips

For Drinking

• Wold Top Gluten Free Beer

SPEAK UP, ASK QUESTIONS
Christine urges allergy sufferers to speak up about their dietary restrictions. “If a friend or family has invited you to dine with them, always inform the host or hostess in advance of food allergies. You may also offer to bring or contribute food,” advises Christine.

Christine urges allergy sufferers to plan ahead. If dining out, call the restaurant to find out more about the menu. Since peanuts and nuts are frequently used in Asian cuisines, be wary of cross-contamination from shared equipment and utensils.

“If in doubt, leave the food out,” said Christine. She added that allergy sufferers should never leave home without medications on hand. It is also a good idea to carry some form of identification (such as a card, badge or necklace) in case of emergency.

HERE’S TO INCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS!
Christine speaks on behalf of the Management and Staff of Cold Storage Singapore in wishing one and all of its customers, including allergy sufferers, diabetics and those with dietary restrictions, a Cautiously Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year!

With thanks to:
Christine Rubi-Cruz
Wellness & Lifestyle Manager
Cold Storage Singapore