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Allergy Answers Are in the Cards
Nutrition Notebook
Canadian Living magazine
August 2002
If you have anaphylaxis, a life-threatening hypersensitivity to certain
foods (also triggered by insect stings, medications, exercise or latex),
eating safely can be a challenge unless you know what ingredients to beware
of in packaged foods.
Anaphylaxis Canada has made grocery shopping easier with Allergen
Information Cards for people with allergies to eggs, fish, shellfish,
soybeans, wheat, milk, peanuts, sulphites, tree nuts, latex or sesame seeds.
The cards, which can be ordered from Anaphylaxis Canada, are designed to be
taken along to the supermarket. Each one tells which foods to avoid for a
particular allergy, alternative names to look for on labels, possible
sources to question and suggestions for eating safely; for example, if
you�re allergic to milk, the milk-allergy card will tell you to look for
casein or whey on labels and to call the manufacturer about products such as
caramel flavouring and egg substitutes.
Anaphylaxis affects one to two per cent of Canadians, and its prevalence is
increasing, especially among children.
Individual cards cost $1.50 for members of Anaphylaxis Canada and $2.50 for
nonmembers. A set of 11 cards costs $14 for members and $24 for nonmembers.
You can order the cards by writing to Anaphylaxis Canada, 416 Moore Ave.,
Suite 306, Toronto M4G 1C9; by phoning (416) 785-5666 or 1-866-785-5660; or
by e-mailing [email protected].
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