For some people, even a tiny bite of the wrong food can be deadly. Common ingredients like peanuts, shellfish, milk, or eggs can trigger a severe immune system overreaction known as anaphylactic shock.
This severe, life-threatening response can rapidly constrict the airways, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs and potentially causing death.
Signs of anaphylactic shock are as follows:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue
- Hives or skin rash
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Drop in blood pressure (shock)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Loss of consciousness
While the foods listed above are well-known allergens, the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) wants the public to know that there are many others. For example, did you know that some people are allergic to lentils? Imagine advertising beef soup but adding lentils, such as split peas, to thicken it without declaring your ingredients. The unsuspecting consumer could end up fighting for their life. Even specific types of oils can cause allergic reactions.
The list below is not exhaustive, but it paints a broader picture of foods that many would not consider allergy-forming, yet can make another person seriously ill.
- Red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
- Sesame seeds
- Avocados
- Marshmallows (gelatin)
- Corn
- Mango
- Dried fruit (sulfites)
- Hot dogs (nitrates/nitrites)
- Raw tomatoes
- Lentils
- Legumes and Pulses (green peas, chickpeas, split peas and kidney beans)
Oils
- Peanut oil (unrefined/partially refined)
- Soybean oil (unrefined or cold-pressed)
- Other nut or seed oils (unrefined)
Some brush off this warning to say, “Well, if you know you have so many allergies, cook your own food.” However, if you have made the decision to invite someone over to your home for a meal, or you are preparing food for the public, the GFNC strongly encourages you to take the following steps:
- Ask your guest if they have any food allergies. Once an allergy is declared, do not include that ingredient in any form
- List all your ingredients, especially if you are selling food to the public. Posting a complete ingredient list allows customers to make informed food choices about what they eat
Finally, one of the most dangerous mistakes anyone can make is including a known allergen in food intended for someone who has clearly stated it could make them ill. Such an oversight can be fatal. The GFNC urges everyone to take this advice seriously.
To learn more about the GFNC, visit https://gfnc.gov.gd/about-us/, and to follow us on social media, visit https://linktr.ee/473GFNC. To schedule a nutrition counselling session, call 473-440-2126 or send an email to [email protected].
Eat local: Strengthen Food and Nutrition Security in Grenada.
GFNC
