Amid tricks and treats, those handing out candy should keep food allergies in mind

by Adnan Alam

By CHRISTINE ROGEL
Cronkite News Service

PHOENIX (Tuesday, Oct. 27) _ Jeanna Zelin has to be extra vigilant around Halloween because her 3-year-old son, Daniel, is severely allergic to nuts. All nuts. The nuts in Snickers bars, Almond Joys and Reese’s.

Even candy processed in the same factory as nuts can trigger a food allergy that threatens Daniel’s life.

“It’s a very scary time for us,” Zelin said. “No pun intended.”

It’s an issue not just for allergic children and their parents but for those who will hand out candy Saturday, said Diane Eckles, chief of the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Office of Environmental Health.

“I think it’s a great idea for people to buy an alternative choice for those with allergies,” Eckles said. “There are a lot of alternatives these days rather than just giving out candy.”

Among her other suggestions:

_ Offer party favors instead of or in addition to candy;

_ Read labels for warnings that products contain or may contain allergens;

_ Have candy on hand that’s produced without milk, peanuts or other common allergens.

About 3.3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts and run the risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly reaction that makes breathing difficult.

Manufacturers are required to disclose the top eight food allergens in their products: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, shellfish, fish and tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.

These ingredients are responsible for 90 percent of food-related allergic reactions, according to the U.S. Drug and Food Administration.

Daniel Zelin’s allergy was discovered after he was hospitalized for taking a bite of a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich when he was 9 months old.

“We spent the night in the hospital,” Zelin said.

Two years later, Daniel went trick-or-treating for the first time at a food-free party sponsored by the Phoenix Allergy Network. Daniel and 25 other children trick-or-treated for toys like bouncy balls, spider rings, washable tattoos, stickers and pencils.

“It’s just a fabulous idea for parents and kids that have allergies,” Zelin said. “Prior to that we pretty much just avoided Halloween. His allergy is so sever that if we took him trick-or-treating we would be risking his health and safety.”

Angie Norton, president and co-founder of the Phoenix Allergy Network, said that about 40,000 Arizona children have food allergies, including her two children, Alexa, 6, and Jack, 4.

“We try to keep things as normal as possible, just with the necessary precautions,” Norton said. “You’ll find with food allergies every family is different and it’s just what works best for that family.”

For parents of children with food allergies, Norton suggests attending parties sponsored by food allergy support groups or trading Halloween candy for toys after a night of trick-or-treating. Parents can also host a party offering homemade snacks.

“The kids don’t miss the candy,” Norton said. “They don’t realize it if we make it fun enough.”

Some children will have reactions if they handle candy exposed to allergens.

“It is important for people who have contact reactions to be careful,” said Jennifer Love, the marketing and media communications manager for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. “Having the person put it in the bag so their not touching it will help prevent that.”

Love also suggested wearing costumes with gloves and communicating with neighbors. Some parents secretly distribute allergen-free candy to neighbors.

“I think it’s important for kids to remember that even though Halloween has a focus on candy and it can create a dangerous situation there is a way for everyone to enjoy it,” Love said. “By planning ahead and preparing you can prevent a reaction.”