Page 64 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Sydney H. - I worked in the food industry for a while and ended up switching to retail because I found it too tricky with allergies. Clearing tables that contained my allergens just wasn’t a safe decision for me to make. Now, in retail, I rarely come across allergens and feel a lot safer.
Is the staff area/kitchen allergy safe?
Caiti - Our staff area is fairly clean. However, things like the microwave, fridge, etc. are always a bit of a concern. I keep all of my food in my separate lunch bag. And I make sure that I wipe down any areas before I place my food anywhere.
Erika - I would always bring my own utensils and eat out of the plastic containers I brought from home. The kitchens were not safe. Employees continued to eat peanuts and nuts in the places I worked and, therefore, I always wiped down the table surface before I would sit down to eat my lunch. Or I would eat at my desk.
Sydney H. - Sometimes I do come across allergens at work. Specifically in the staff break room. But I always wipe down the table first and I am very aware of my surroundings.
Where do you keep your auto-injector when you’re on the job?
Caiti- I always keep my auto-injector in my purse and I make sure that someone I am working with is
aware of where it is kept.
Erika - In previous places of employment, I have always had my auto-injector on my desk, in plain sight, or in the desk drawer. In the second case, I have informed all of my colleagues where it can be easily found in an emergency.
Do you take any precautions at work to avoid allergens?
Caiti - Yes, I make sure to use sanitizing wipes to wipe down things like desks, phones, computer
keyboards, etc. to avoid allergens. I also frequently use hand sanitizer.
Erika - When I worked in an office environment, I had my supervisor send an email out to all employees about my allergies and the severity of them. I made sure my desk and cubicle area was safe by asking my colleagues to avoid eating peanuts and nuts. And I informed others not to touch my phone or computer.
Sydney H. - The main precautions that I take are informing fellow employees and always remembering to bring my auto-injector to work!