How to Avoid Food Allergens

One to 5 percent of people suffer from food allergies, according to the website for Food Allergy Information. According to "The Allergy Bible," someone with a severe food allergy may even be affected by just a minuscule amount off the food left on a pan or silverware, though this would be an extreme case. People suffering food allergens can avoid allergic reactions if they are careful.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn how to read labels, because reading the ingredients in any food can reveal allergens that a person may not have realized were there. Generally, there will be an additional note at the bottom of the label that indicates if the food was processed in a plant with other known food allergens, such as nuts, soy, dairy and wheat.

• 2

  Let other people know about the food allergies. Many people have a get-together or two for holidays and company potlucks. If others are knowledgeable about someone's food allergy, they will be more careful to omit those food items from the meal, or at least let the allergic person know which dishes to avoid.

• 3

  Be sure to clean all dishes well when someone else in the household continues to eat items that someone else is allergic to. This includes silverware, pots and pans, plates, bowls and even cups.

• 4

  Look for restaurants that cater to allergen free diets. Ask servers for help when choosing from the menu. Never be afraid to ask a server to make something a special way. For example, if a person is allergic to gluten, he could request a burger with no bun.