Enjoy Safe Summer Barbecues with Food Allergies | Covenant Allergy and Asthma

Summertime means it’s the season for all kinds of cookouts and barbeques! For families with food allergies, outdoor cooking and eating can pose some challenges, but Covenant Allergy and Asthma has the tips you need to enjoy the festivities all summer long. Before you fire up the grill or fill the pool, here’s how you can make sure you’re prepared to safely handle food allergies.

Were you invited to a barbecue? Guests with food allergies can:

• Talk to the party host ahead of time about your food allergies to determine whether or not the host can accommodate your needs. When in doubt, pack some safe foods just in case there are no appropriate options at the gathering.

• Bring a Sharpie marker and write your name and family member’s names clearly on the water bottles or cups. Be sure to show your children which drinks are theirs.

• Always double-check labels–and not just on packaged foods. You’ll also need to verify that bug sprays and sunscreens don’t contain any food allergens.

• Keep a couple of epinephrine auto-injectors with you, but protect them from the heat! They should be stored at room temperature, so don’t refrigerate them or keep them in your car. You could put epinephrine in a cooler without ice to help protect it from the heat.

• If you plan to consume alcohol, keep in mind that alcohol can reduce your ability to identify allergens, recognize an allergic reaction, give medications, or get help. It’s best to give yourself a one or two drink limit.

• Request to be the first person to serve from a dish to help reduce your risk of using contaminated utensils.

Are you hosting a barbecue? Here’s how you can help guests with food allergies:

• Talk to your guests ahead of time and ask them what you can do to help them have a safe and fun time at your party.

• Bring labels and markers so guests can write their names on cups or water bottles to prevent mix-ups.

• Clearly label any dishes that contain food allergens. Remember, the top 8 allergens are: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish,shellfish, soy and wheat.

• Make sure you thoroughly clean your grill and have foil on hand so foods may be wrapped to help prevent cross-contamination.

• Periodically wipe down the tables and chairs, toys, cooking surfaces, etc. to remove any traces of food.

If you’re looking for additional ways to manage food allergies in your family, don’t hesitate to call on Covenant Allergy and Asthma. Visit our website today to learn more about our clinics and services.