Sweet fun, allergy-free for everyone

Do you have a food allergy or know someone who does? Food allergens are found in a variety of foods, including candy. A food allergen is an ingredient that some people can be sensitive to. There are many food allergens, but the "Big 9" list consists of the allergens that cause severe allergic reactions in the United States. The "Big 9" includes milk, soy, eggs, wheat, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. There are different reactions to allergens, like nausea, hives, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and anaphylaxis, which is a severe reaction and may lead to death.  

Many people must be careful with what they eat. When talking about ways to prevent consuming an allergen, cross-contact is a major concern. Cross-contact is when allergens are moved from one food to another food or surface. Reading labels for ingredients is very important, because it may contain an allergen. Also, you must be careful of what touches your food or what surfaces it is placed on. Proper cleaning and sanitation after handling food allergens can prevent cross-contact. 

As Halloween nears, many people buy candy and get ready to celebrate or trick-or-treaters. Some candies can contain as many as 6 of the "Big 9" food allergens, which include milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts. The labels on the candies have both the ingredients and the allergens that present. Another thing to be aware of: if a candy is allergen-free, but made in the same place as a candy with food allergens, cross-contact can occur. 

Popular candies that have one or more of the "Big 9": 

• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar
• Almond Joy
• Laffy Taffy 
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
• Snickers

Popular candies that have none of the "Big 9": 

• Skittles 
• Nerds
• Swedish Fish
• Air Heads
• Starbursts

When purchasing Halloween candy, be mindful of the ingredients and read labels. Be aware of cross-contact because when you open a candy with a food allergen, cross-contact can occur unless handled properly. 

Caitlin Kerry is a junior in the dietetics program at Central Michigan University. To learn more about the nutrition and Dietetics program and course offerings, please get in touch with the program director Dr. Najat Yahia at yahia1n@cmich.edu.