Should I worry about cross contact?
What is cross contact?
It’s when an allergen is transferred from one food to another on accident. Even trace amounts of nuts or nut products can trigger an allergic reaction this way. Sources of cross contact can be found on hands, pots & pans, utensils, baking sheets, cooking surfaces, cutting boards, steam, cooking oils, condiments, nut butters, and jams/jelly!
Think about this example, if a peanut butter sandwich was cut on a cutting board and the cutting board was not properly washed, the peanut allergen may still be there when fruit is cut on it another time. If your child eats the fruit, although not cut with the same knife, the peanut protein can transfer to the fruit and potentially cause an allergic reaction.
How can you prevent cross-contact?
Wash surfaces and cooking utensils with warm, soapy water, rinse with clean water and air dry.
Think of hidden sources, for example, using the same jar of jelly that previously had a knife with peanut butter on it.
Keep allergic and non allergic foods separate, use dedicated equipment for specific foods, and always wash hands well before preparing and serving food.
Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs with others who may be in charge of meal preparation (or restaurant staff).
If you want to learn more about cross contact or receive a handout to give caregivers to understand cross contact please contact me.
