Why Food Allergy Awareness Matters at Cookouts
Cookouts are as southern a pastime as baseball and apple pie. Unfortunately, with food allergies on the rise, it’s not uncommon that at least one person at your family cookout or church picnic won’t be allowed to enjoy that apple pie.
One of the authors of this article herself can’t even eat apple pie because of an ingredient most of you won’t even think about. It’s not the gluten or the wheat – it’s the nutmeg! As a family with food allergies, we must be concerned about everything from avocados to watermelons for various household members. As a mom, it’s my responsibility to make sure that my family is protected.
Someone putting a “contains nuts” label into a stack of freshly baked brownies.
Daisy Daisy-stock.adobe.com
However, if you’re like many of us, and your love language is feeding the masses, here are some tips to help those like me join you at your table.
Tips for Hosting Allergy-Safe Cookouts
- Use Ingredient Note Cards
Provide note cards so that folks can write down the ingredient list. We don’t need Nana’s secret recipe, but the list of ingredients is the biggest help!
- Provide Separate Utensils
Make sure every dish has its own serving spoon, and nothing gets mixed. No double dipping!
- Be Flexible with Cooking Surfaces
Be willing to grill one family’s food first on a clean griddle.
- Ask About Allergies Ahead of Time
Most of us have no problem talking about our allergies because it keeps us safe. When inviting families, ask if there’s anything you can do to make it safe for them.
- Plan Dish Assignments in Advance
If you’re asking folks to bring specific dishes, ask your food allergy family members first what they’d like to bring so they can bring their safe dishes. Then the rest of the crew can pick from what’s left.
- Keep Sauces and Dressings Separate
Keep sauces, dressings, spreads, dips, etc., separate. They’re one of the hardest things for allergy families to eat because of dairy, oils, nuts, and/or peanuts in almost all of them. Keeping them separate allows folks to pick what they can have, or leave them off and just enjoy a plain salad.
Emergency Preparedness for Severe Food Allergies
Thank you for considering the safety of your family and friends who can’t enjoy every item available at the picnic. If you have family members with severe food allergies that can lead to anaphylaxis, I encourage you to be familiar with the signs to look for if they’re ever in crisis. Know what their allergy safety plan is if you’re with them regularly.
Safe Food Handling for Everyone
For the safety of everyone, please remember to follow safe food handling guidelines so you can enjoy time with your family and friends and not risk anyone getting sick because food was left out too long.
For more information, see HGIC 3500, Basics of Safe Food Handling.
