Kissing and Food Allergies

With the approach of Valentine's Day, attention turns once again to the risk of kissing for those with a food allergy. The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology recently released a statement about the risks.

So, what are the risks, you ask?

Studies have been conducted to find out how long peanut protein from peanut butter stays in salivia. Several hours, it turns out. It does not appear that rinsing, teeth brushing or chewing gum has any effect. The recommendation is to wait several hours and even eat an allergen-free meal before kissing someone with a peanut allergy.

No other allergens have been tested at this time. Researchers note that cosmetics and lip sticks sometimes contain nut oils and that the nut allergic should be cautious of people who use these products as well.

Now we're talking, intimate kissing here. Probably not a quick peck on the cheek from Grandma (unless she's wearing nut-oil laden lipstick.

This is going to require some delicate conversation with our teenagers- food allergic or not. Check out the report.

I wonder if this is part of the sex education curriculum?

Happy Valentine's Day From the Food Allergy Assistant

Aahhh...the holiday of love and chocolate. And I do love chocolate. No need to despair if a special someone has food allergies. This plateful of goodies is free of dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. The chocolate presents are melted dairy free chocolate chips poured into a candy mold. The chocolate covered pretzels are your favorite pretzels dipped in melted dairy-free chocolate chips and rolled in safe sprinkles. For the chocolate chocolate chip cookies, grab a mixing bowl and click over to my website for an easy delicious recipe.

Happy Valentine's Day!