Yes, little would you know what is contained a in a hot dog or pickle at a fair or other summer festivals. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is of the opinion that as many as 12 million people today are suffering from food allergies. Infact, they should be careful about the ingredients used to prepare foods that can trigger an allergic reaction say experts like Dr Amal H. Assa’ad, teaching pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Experts are of the opinion that a small taste or lick of the wrong food can throw a person suffering from food allergies into a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Data collected suggests that about 150 million people die of anaphylaxis each year.
Typical Symptoms of Food Allergies
The typical symptoms of an allergic reaction to foods are — rashes, breathlessness, an inflamed tongue and/or gastrointestinal problem. However severe the symptom, it could be much of nuisance having to bear the rashes or upset stomach in the middle of an already dizzy ride or a game of ball.
Ingredients and Foods Sold at Fairs
Listed below are some foods and ingredients that can go unnoticed at a fair or summer festival when you and your kids are so lost in the fun and frolic:
- Hotdogs and corndogs are the most widely sold foods at fairs, circuses or summer festivals and you could barely find out what’s contained in them. So make sure that you’re replacing the desire to eat one with a safer option.
- Salads are the next trickiest things that can be available at a summer festival and you could rarely guess what’s inside. So before taking a serve of the salad, ask what it contains.
- Avoid trans-fat because most vendors use soybean oil or peanut oil as fryers which can turn dangerous for people suffering from peanut or soy allergy.
People already suffering from food allergies should be very careful about the possible food allergens at the most unexpected places like fairs, summer festivals, etc. If you are in doubt of being allergic to certain foods or have suffered mild attacks earlier to some foods, then you need to get yourself checked by a immunologist or allergist soon. Your doctor will conduct a diagnosis, put you on a specific diet plan and will guide you through ways to avoiding the food allergens wherever and whenever required.
