Forms & Guides Library
Troop Forms & Guides
Scout Guides & Checklists
- Planning Worksheets
- Outdoor Activities
- First Aid
- Food & Cooking
- Knots & Lashings
- Duty to God
Troop 883 Food & Cooking
Food Intolerance vs. Allergies
A true food allergy affects the immune system, and even small amounts of the offending food can trigger a range of symptoms, which can be severe or life-threatening known as anaphylaxis. In contrast, a food intolerance often affects only the digestive system and causes less serious symptoms, usually gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.
See also the Troop 883 First Aid Guide: Food Allergies and Intolerance
Nuts & Shellfish
These foods are causes of the most common severe allergy attacks. Some people are only allergic to tree nuts, while others peanuts. Some people may only be allergic to certain types of shellfish. In all cases, even tiny amounts can cause a serious reaction that can even be life-threatening (anaphylaxis).
All foods containing dairy, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat must be listed in the ingredients panel on labels by their “common or usual name.” Also look for “made” or “processed” in a “facilitate that processes peanuts” (or shellfish) for foods.
Causes
Direct or indirect contact with these foods can cause the immune system to release symptom-inducing chemicals into the bloodstream. This can occur in what of three ways:
- Direct contact: consuming the allergen or foods containing the allergen. Sometimes direct skin contact with the food can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Cross-contact. This is the unintended introduction of the allergen into a product. It’s generally the result of a food being exposed to the allergen during processing or handling.
- Inhalation. An allergic reaction may occur from inhaling dust, aerosols, or fumes containing the the food, a source containing the food, or from the food itself.
Peanut Allergies
Foods to avoid
- Peanuts
- Cold pressed, expressed, or expelled peanut oil
- Ground or mixed nuts
- Peanut butter
- NU-Nuts (artificial nuts)
- African, Chinese, Thai, and other ethnic dishes utilizing peanuts, peanut oils, or proteins
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Chili
- Chocolate
- Crackers
- Spaghetti
- Ice cream
- Frozen yogurt
- Plant and vegetable proteins
- Marzipan
- Nougat
- Pizza
Tree Nuts
Tree nuts are nuts that grow on trees. Peanuts are in a different category (legume family) since they grow underground. Up to half of individuals allergic to peanuts will also be allergic to tree nuts.
Types of Tree Nuts
Almond, Beech, Brazil, Butternut, Cashew, Chestnut, Chinquapin, Coconut, Filbert, Ginko nut, Hickory, Lichee, Macadamia, Pecan, Pine, Pili, Pistachio, Sheanut, and Walnut
Foods to Avoid
- baked goods – breads, muffins, pastries, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, frosting
- snack foods – granola, granola bars, rice cakes, snack mixes, crackers, caramel corn, ice cream
- African, Chinese, Thai – cultural ethnic dishes that heavily use nuts or proteins
- Pesto, pasta, barbecue sauce
- Salads and salad dressings
- Honey
- Candy
- Fish dishes
- Cereal
- Seasoning flavorings
Shellfish
The shellfish allergy is an atypical response by the body’s immune system to proteins in certain marine animals. Marine animals in the shellfish category include crustaceans and mollusks. Examples and foods to avoid are shrimp, crabs, lobster, squid, clams, oysters, scallops and snails.