1. Living with Food Allergies A Program of Family and Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension

2. The food of one may be poison for another. Lucretius De Rerum Natura

3. Food Allergies Leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital Lead to 30,000 emergency room visits annually Estimated to cause 150 – 200 deaths each year Symptoms can occur within minutes to 2 hours In many cases of reactions, the patient believed she/he was eating a safe food

4. What does it mean to have a food allergy? No cure Many are lifelong Strict food avoidance is only way to prevent a reaction Just one little bite can hurt!

5. How Many People Have Food Allergies? 2 – 2.5% of U.S. population Infants4-6% Young children1-2% Adults1-1.5% 6 - 7 million Americans

6. Big Eight Allergens 90% of all reactions come from peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish & wheat. 10% come from over 160 other foods

7. Tips for Living with Food Allergies Learn terms for ingredients specific to the allergy Read food labels every time Prepare food carefully Be careful when eating out Tell wait staff & manager about allergy Ask questions about ingredients & preparation. Speak to chef.

8. Visiting Family & Friends Bring or send medication Teach about food allergies & emergency care Tell them which foods are safe or unsafe Send or bring safe foods Understand that host may be nervous

9. FCHS Outreach Parent & child care provider workshops Professional Training – teachers, health care providers, dietitians & others Exhibit Food Service Provider Training For information or to schedule a program contact: Daryl Minch, FCHS Educator & Project Coordinator 908-526-6295 or Minch@rcre.rutgers.eduMinch@rcre.rutgers.edu Website: www.rcre.rutgers.edu

10. Resources Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network foodallergy.orgfoodallergy.org, 800-929-4040 American Dietetic Association eatright.orgeatright.org, 800-877-1600 Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America 800-7-ASTHMA International Food Information Council Foundation www.ificinfo.health.org, 202-296-6540

11. Curriculum Components 2 Power Point Presentations with Speaker Notes Public Version: food allergic people, caregivers, school teachers, etc. Food Service Version- school cafeteria, camps, restaurants, etc. Evaluations Marketing Materials – news releases & brochure Newsletter Article Resource List Format: Curriculum on CD ROM Available June 1, 2008. Cost: $40 including S&HAvailable June 1, 2008.