Living with Food Allergies, 2013 and on

[Macabre]

Space, practice self care and do what's right for you!

[spacecanada]

I had a long chat last night with my best friend, who will be there with me - it really helped.  Having a support network is essential. 

In the airport now...

[rebekahc]

Enjoy the rest of your travels, SC.  I'm so glad your friend is there to support you through this!

[PurpleCat]

 

[spacecanada]

'Certified Gluten-Free' doesn't mean a wheat-free facility.  Nope.  Every label, every time.  And call manufacturers often.  My husband just bought cereal that was certified gluten-free but made in a facility with wheat, soy, dairy, tree nuts, and sesame.  It's for him, but the label caught my eye.  I could see some wheat-free families getting caught by this if they think everything with the certification is safe.
http://www.gfco.org/get-certified/faqs/

We just stopped using Natura soy milk because my last call and email (this summer) resulted in news that they would be adding almond to their facility soon, with shared lines.  Whilst I was away last week my husband called me to say one of his containers of soy milk tasted distinctly of almonds.  Phew, dodged that bullet... but the fact manufacturers don't have to disclose that manufacturing change on labels is disturbing.  (Same thing happened with the brand of popcorn we used to buy for years and years too.)

[spacecanada]

I have only been home for four days and I miss the Disney chefs already. 

[SilverLining]

... but the fact manufacturers don't have to disclose that manufacturing change on labels is disturbing.  (Same thing happened with the brand of popcorn we used to buy for years and years too.)

I think there should be a specific set of allergens that companies label for risk of cross contamination or they should be required to include the statement that they do not label for risks of cross contamination.

Something like "we don't care enough to keep customers with allergies alive" would suffice. OK, the government might was to reword it....

[spacecanada]

I don't know, SL, if that were the required statement, it could get more companies into compliance, to avoid embarrassment alone.  We need more politicians that think like you.  LOL. 

[SilverLining]

Stupid allergies.

Bought a package of chocolate bars. I haven't had a Cadbury Caramel for ages.

I'm sure they used to be safe.

[PurpleCat]

 

[GoingNuts]

  Indeed. 

[SilverLining]

I think they went unsafe a l9ng time ago. Which is why I haven't had one in ages.

I never read the package in store. When I opened it, I read the individual bar, saw the may contain, then looked at outer package. It is listed and easy to read. So, my own fault.

But I'm still bummed.

[spacecanada]

At least you didn't eat it!  That was my first thought when I read the initial post.  Like it was a regret post after eating something you thought was safe but then ate it and had a reaction.  I'm so very glad that wasn't the case!

[SilverLining]

Sorry. I should have been clearer.

I told my son to either eat them or give them to his friends.

[hezzier]

DD came home from HS with a story.  Some kid in her English class was eating PB cracker and made a mess all over the desk.  The teacher wigged out on him...told him to clean up his crumbs, so he swept them into his hand and then she told him not to touch anything and go wash his hands 3 times before he came back.  She then proceeded to get our her clorox wipes and wipe down the desk, seat, book and door handle about 3 times.  She is a teacher that apparently doesn't get mad often and raised her voice at this kid.  DD went up after class and told the teacher how appreciative she was at how seriously she took the situation due to having a brother with food allergies.