[Sca-cooks] Hidden sources of food allergens

[Tom Vincent]

I thought this might be helpful/informative - Duriel:

*Original Article:*http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-allergies/AA00058


  Hidden sources of food allergens


    Introduction

Food allergies --- adverse reactions to food triggered by the immune 
system --- are common. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is 
to avoid foods that cause signs and symptoms. If you have food 
allergies, it's important to know what you're eating and drinking. 
However, some food allergens may be well hidden when used as ingredients 
in certain dishes, especially in restaurants and other social settings.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified eight major food 
allergens:

    * Milk
    * Egg
    * Peanuts
    * Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashew, walnuts)
    * Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)
    * Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp)
    * Soy
    * Wheat

Click on the tabs to the left corresponding to the major food allergens 
to see some possible sources of hidden food allergens. This is not a 
complete list; ingredients and food preparation and processing change 
frequently.


    Milk and dairy products

*Hidden sources of milk and dairy products*

    * *Deli slicers.* These slicers often are used for both meats and
      cheeses.
    * *Tuna.* Some brands of canned tuna contain casein, a milk protein.
    * *"Nondairy" products.* Some products claiming to be "nondairy"
      actually contain milk derivatives.
    * *Meat.* Some meats contain casein as a binding agent.
    * *Restaurant-prepared steak.* Many restaurants add butter to their
      steaks after grilling, to enhance flavor.


    Egg

*Hidden sources of egg*

    * *Specialty drinks.* Eggs may be used to create the foam topping on
      specialty coffee drinks or in certain bar drinks.
    * *Egg substitutes.* Some brands of egg substitutes contain egg whites.
    * *Pasta.* Some processed cooked pastas contain egg or are processed
      on equipment also used to produce egg-containing pastas.


    Peanuts

*Hidden sources of peanuts*

    * *Artificial nuts.* These products can actually be peanuts that
      have been flavored as other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. For
      example, mandelonas are peanuts soaked in almond flavoring.
    * *Arachis oil.* This oil is actually peanut oil.
    * *Chocolate candies.* Many chocolate candies are produced on
      equipment also used for processing peanuts or peanut-containing
      foods. Cross-contact is common.
    * *Cultural foods.* Many African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai
      and Vietnamese dishes often contain peanuts or are exposed to
      peanuts during restaurant preparation.
    * *Specialty baked goods and ice cream.* Foods sold in bakeries and
      ice cream shops often come in contact with peanuts.
    * *Sunflower seeds.* Many brands of sunflower seeds are manufactured
      on equipment also used to produce peanuts.
    * *Nut butters.* Many nut butters, such as cashew nut butter, are
      processed on the same equipment used to make peanut butter.


    Tree nuts

*Hidden sources of tree nuts*

    * *Flavorings.* Natural and artificial flavorings may contain tree
      nuts.
    * *Mortadella.* This type of smoked sausage, made of pork, beef,
      wine and spices, may contain pistachio nuts.
    * *Other foods.* Tree nuts may be used in many foods, including
      barbecue sauce, cereals, crackers and ice cream.
    * *Household items.* Footbags (for example, Hacky sacks) and
      beanbags may be filled with crushed nut shells.


    Fish or shellfish

*Hidden sources of fish or shellfish*

    * *Caponata.* This Sicilian relish may contain anchovies.
    * *Caesar salad.* Anchovies often are an ingredient in this type of
      salad.
    * *Meat sauces.* Steak sauce or Worcestershire sauce may contain
      anchovies.
    * *Imitation crabmeat.* Surimi (imitation crabmeat) contains fish.


    Soy

*Hidden sources of soy*

    * *Peanut butter.* Soy may be an ingredient found in peanut butter.
    * *Other food products.* Soybeans and soy products often are used in
      baked goods, canned tuna, cereals, crackers, infant formulas,
      sauces and soups.


    Wheat

*Hidden sources of wheat*

    * *Imitation meat and seafood products.* Wheat flour may be flavored
      and shaped to look like beef, pork or shrimp, especially in Asian
      dishes.
    * *Hot dogs.* Wheat may be found as an ingredient in some brands of
      hot dogs.
    * *Ice cream.* Wheat may be an ingredient in some brands of ice cream.
    * *Imitation crabmeat.* Some types of surimi (imitation crabmeat)
      may contain wheat.
    * *Wreaths.* Wheat products may be used to decorate wreaths and
      other home decor.


-- 
***********
Tom Vincent
***********
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying the cross" - Sinclair Lewis