How to Avoid Cross-Contact with Food Allergens

There’s been quite a bit of public dialogue about cross-contamination in foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched major campaigns educating people about the risks of foodborne illnesses. Most people now know to thoroughly wash a cutting board after using it for raw meat, for example.

Unfortunately, the same level of public education hasn’t happened for cross-contact. This is the risk of an allergen ending up in something you eat. If you have a shellfish allergy and a restaurant shells a lobster next to your food in the kitchen, you could end up exposed, for example. 

If you have a food allergy, you want — and may even need — to do what you can to avoid cross-contact. We want to help. Chad W. Mayer, DO, and our team have some tips. 

Note that these are general guidelines. For a more personalized plan based on your specific allergy or allergies, come see us at Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan. We also offer oral immunotherapy (OIT) to help desensitize you to triggering foods.

At home

When you’re making food at home, a few best practices can help keep you safe. 

Prepare your food first

If you’re cooking with people who don’t share the same food allergies, make your meal or snack first. This way, you’re using clean cutting boards, utensils, etc. Once your food is prepared, other people in your household can use those items without fear that they could be exposing you via cross-contact. 

Keep things covered

Some allergens can simply travel via the air, so it’s important to keep things as separate as possible. Ask people in your household to cover bowls or plates with the allergen. 

Also, be mindful of stove splatter. Covering anything on the stovetop lowers your risk of cross-contact. 

Wash up

To remove allergens, it’s important that things get thoroughly washed with soap and water. 

When you’re dining out

Eating out can feel risky when you’re living with a food allergy. But a few proactive steps can lower your likelihood of cross-contact. 

Be choosy about restaurants

Do your homework before you go somewhere. Ask around and check reviews to see if there are any red flags. 

The internet is your friend here. You can check for allergy-friendly restaurants on Yelp or use apps like Spokin to point you toward options that are likely to be safe.  

Always tell your server

Let your server know about your allergy as soon as possible. Make it clear that it’s serious. 

When you order your meal, reiterate that you can’t be exposed to that allergen at all. Ask your server if they can make a note for the kitchen staff. 

Order wisely

Keep your order simple. The more instructions you have to give, the more likely it is that something will get missed. 

Also, avoid fried foods. Fryers are notorious for cross-contact. 

These are some general tips, and we hope they help. To get a more robust plan in place, paired with treatment to desensitize you to your allergen, we’re here. Contact Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan to schedule an appointment today.