Food Allergy Stories in the News!

This Snack Safely article written by Dave Bloom explains the scary ordeal that Patrick and Brittany Mahomes went through when their son, "Bronze," suffered an anaphylactic reaction and had to be rushed to the emergency room. It turns out Patrick tested positive for nut allergies in the past, but they didn't know their son had developed an allergy until he ate the peanuts and suffered anaphylaxis. See their son's adorable picture here along with the details of their experience! 

This Allergic Living article written by Wendy Mondello shares the devastating events that lead to the passing away of Orla Baxendale, a 25 year old dancer from the UK. Orla ate store-bought cookies that contained peanuts. She carefully read the label, but peanuts were NOT listed in the ingredients! This horrible tragedy shows the critical importance of correct food labeling. Our hearts go out to her family and friends as we hope this brings change and consistency to food labeling.

This story unfolded over several days leading up to the Super Bowl after Uber Eats released their commercial early. The ad included a man "forgetting" peanuts were in peanut butter and reacting with hives and a swollen eye for comedic purposes. The Food Allergy Community responded with their concerns and Uber Eats cared and listened, then chose to edit the commercial in time for the Super Bowl! Read the fantastic details in this Allergic Living article written by Gwen Smith. Also, read my Weekly Blog dated 2/12/2024 for my thoughts on the situation!

This Allergic Living article written by Patrick Bennett explains how a woman developed a dairy allergy after using a skin cream that contained goat milk as an ingredient! From what I can understand, the problem happened after putting lotion on "broken" skin, and what Patrick Bennett recommends for those with eczema to avoid this potential problem. Read the interesting story for yourself!

Many people don't realize that peanut butter is sometimes used as a thickener in sauces, such as enchilada sauce. While I wish this didn't happen, I truly appreciate when restaurants add this Food Allergy warning across their menus so their patrons can stay safe! I am attaching my article, Panic at the Potluck, where I also mention a few other ways that allergens can be hidden in foods! ALWAYS ask about the ingredients- specifically your allergens- even if it sounds unlikely!

This Allergic Living article, written by Jennifer Goodwin, explains the tragic events that unfolded when Celebrity Chef, Michael Chiarello, passed away from an anaphylactic reaction. This is terrifying because he had no known allergies and it is unknown what caused the reaction. This article discusses Michael Chiarello's legacy and how adult allergies are on the rise, and some risks associated with adults developing allergies. 

This Allergic Living article written by Wendy Mondello explains the devastating details of what happened when Avery Gilbert, an 18 year old freshman in college, was served his allergen in the school cafeteria. He ordered chicken that was labeled "no allergens," but still reacted. We hope this case results in all colleges taking cross-contamination seriously to prevent another tragic loss like this one. 

Absolutely Heartbreaking!

I normally post news stories and specific articles here, but there were so many great ideas for a Healthy Home on Allergic Living's website, I couldn't pick just one! This link will take you to Allergic Living's page that shares multiple articles about removing allergens from your home... whether you are buying, renting, building your own house or just cleaning! A great resource, in my opinion! 

A while back I wrote an article over some of the positive aspects of Food Allergies. Well, there may be more good news!  This News Wire article shared by Snack Safely reports that people with Food Allergies are less likely to become infected by Covid-19 than other groups!  (And you can find my article link over the positive side of food allergies under the Published Articles section of this webpage)

This Allergic Living article, written by Jennifer Goodwin, explains the circumstances of an odd case of anaphylaxis. The individual fell while skateboarding and scraped her leg on a road that was covered with pollen.  A severe reaction followed- click link to read all the details of this unusual case.

 I was quoted in this article from www.simpleflying.com by Steven Walker. The article summarizes how Southwest Airlines changed its pre-boarding policy, meaning people with Food Allergies must now wait to board after the A group. 

My quote: “It makes a huge difference to be able to wipe down the seats before everyone else boards. It’s hard to scramble around, cleaning the seats as fast as you can, while a hundred passengers squeeze by, staring. I’m really hoping Southwest changes its policy.”  -Caroline Fleur

I am proud of Southwest Airlines for reconsidering their decision! Beginning December 15th, they will once again allow people with nut allergies to pre-board the plane to wipe down the seats. Food Allergy Advocate groups are asking Southwest to allow pre-boarding for ALL food allergies, not just nuts. Read this Allergic Living article, written by Wendy Mondello, for more details! 

This Allergic Living article, written by Lianne Mandelbaum, reports the details on another scary incident where an airplane did not have any automatic Epi-injectors included in the medical kit! A young woman who had a severe reaction was lucky a doctor was on board who was able to help her. Read about why its critical that airplanes begin keeping easy-to-use auto-injectors in their medical kits.

Allergic Living's March 2023 newsletter shared several allergy-friendly treat ideas for Easter and Passover- think chocolate Easter bunnies, fruit snacks, lollypops, etc. I am posting and leaving this article because I think many of these treats are great ideas to enjoy in spring, summer and really anytime you may need treats and sweets to enjoy or hand out! 

This Snack Safely article was written by Dave Bloom. Dave explains how a man with no previous food allergies developed a severe peanut allergy after receiving a lung transplant from a donor who was allergic to peanuts. This is something hospitals can know to be prepared for and monitor in future organ donations!