Behind The Label

Allergies are not always about the most obvious. The reality is that sometimes the most dangerous triggers are the ones nobody thinks about and the ones that hide. So here are 10 sneaky places allergens hide so you can watch out for them and stay prepared in the future!

1. Cutting boards
Wood absorbs everything. That “clean” board may still have peanut proteins from last night’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

2. Ice cream scoopers
Even “vanilla only” scoops often dip into other flavors, such as “rocky road” during busy shifts.

3. Store bakery counters
Fresh pastries? Yes. Fresh contamination? Also yes. The almond croissant next to the supposedly “nut-free” regular croissant is not a good match on the counter.

4. Makeup and lip gloss
Many makeup products and lip gloss contain nut oils

5. Smoothie shops
Blenders are rarely cleaned between orders, instead just dipped in water if anything. Therefore, almond butter or peanut butter sits for hours, transferring between drinks, and is not a good match for those with nut allergies.

6. Buffets and salad bars
This constant chaos and transferring of utensils between dishes is bound to create cross-contact between “nut-free” dishes and “nut-filled” dishes.

7. Perfumes and Lotions
Many perfumes and lotions contain nut products such as almond oil, and this is something to look out for.

8. Airplanes
Tray tables, seatbelts, and armrests have all been touched by who knows what and possibly nuts in the past.

9. Protein bars
Products such as nut blends, peanut protein, and almonds are common hidden allergens.

10. Fryers
Restaurants often fry everything in one shared space and fryer, creating lots of cross-contact as they don’t replace oil every time.

By keeping these things in mind when dealing with nut allergies, there is nothing to worry about!!