Page 83 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

What is the most ridiculous thing someone has ever asked you or said to you about your allergies? How did you respond?
Katelyn - The most ridiculous thing someone has said about my allergies is that the warning statements saying the product “may contain” or contains is just something the companies “have” to say for legal reasons. They suggested that there is no chance of having an allergic reaction in these cases. They stated that, if I did end up having a reaction, I have my auto-injector and that I would be “fine” (on more than one occasion). My response to this situation is always the same. I simply tell them that this is not the case and that those warnings are there to keep me safe from reactions caused by cross-contamination. Consuming a product with a precautionary warning label is not worth the risk. And I simply don’t feel comfortable eating it. In the end, no matter how they react to my response, I do what I feel is right based upon my experiences and education about the subject.
Mathew - When I was younger, someone offered me cheesecake with nuts on it. When my mom told them that I couldn't eat it, they offered to scrape the nuts off of the top of the cake. We politely explained that the allergy was severe enough that that precaution wouldn't be sufficient.
Sydney H. - When I was in grade eight, I actually had someone ask me if my allergies were contagious! I responded to them by explaining what allergies were and that they were most definitely not contagious.
Why do you think some people can be so naïve about food allergies?
Katelyn - I believe that some people can be very closed-minded about food allergies because of their lack of education about the subject. Most people I’ve met, who seem closed-minded on the subject, have never met someone or have never known someone with an allergy. Some think that they are similar to seasonal allergies and are not life-threatening.
Mathew – If you are not educated about the matter, you might not be open to learning. I don’t expect these people to fully understand the issue. I take it upon myself to educate these people.
Sydney H. - I think the main reason for this is a lack of understanding. Although allergies are a rising health issue, a lot of people still don’t understand the severity of them. I think people can also be closed- minded because they have never experienced it personally.
How can you help someone “get it”?
Katelyn - Knowledge about food allergies is starting to gain momentum, especially in elementary schools. This is a refreshing change from when I was in elementary school. I believe that, the more that people know about allergic reactions, the more they will be receptive to them.
Mathew - I try to be as blunt as possible. I find that this gets people’s attention and will prompt them to look out for their fellow human beings.