Dairy Products Tyrek Commander Darlene Fulton

What is Dairy? All fluid milk products and many foods made from milk are considered part of this food group. Most Dairy Group choices should be fat-free or low-fat. Foods made from milk that retain their calcium content are part of the group. Foods made from milk that have little to no calcium, such as cream cheese, cream, and butter, are not.

Cross Contamination Cross contamination is what happens when bacteria from one food item are transferred to another food item, often by way of unwashed cutting boards or countertops, as well as knives and other kitchen tools, or even unwashed hands. Cross contamination can in turn lead to food poisoning.

Dairy Allergies Milk allergy is a reaction of the immune system to proteins in milk and milk products; lactose intolerance is caused by an inability of the body to break down the milk sugar lactose. The signs and symptoms of a milk allergy usually appear in early infancy; lactose intolerance is very rare in the first years of life. Milk allergy can affect the digestive system as well as other systems in the body, such as skin and airways; lactose intolerance affects digestion only, causing bloating, gas, or loose bowel movements after drinking milk or eating dairy products. In rare cases, milk allergy can be life-threatening; lactose intolerance is not life-threatening, and people with lactose intolerance can often consume small amounts of milk without experiencing any symptoms.

Symptoms of a Milk Allergy Excessive fussiness or irritability Crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea Spots or streaks of blood or mucus in stools Skin rash Recurrent wheezing, cough, stuffy or runny nose, colds, or sinusitis Failure to thrive (poor weight gain and growth)