FoodAllergyInfo.com

From a press release on PRNewswire: “Data published in the May issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology revealed variations in the results of three common allergy diagnostic blood tests used to quantify sensitivities to allergens. The study, conducted by allergy specialists at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, determined that the laboratory results from two other commercial tests for specific IgE were not equivalent to those measured by ImmunoCAP(R) Specific IgE blood test.” Read the details here.

This article from the Centre Daily Times (Pennsylvania) offers more than information on a company’s new labeling. The tips from AllergyMoms.com are right on! Check it out here: “A single, innocent parent oversight resulting in a child’s anaphylactic reaction to one of its allergy-friendly foods recently prompted one company to voluntarily strengthen the food allergy labeling on all of its products.”

From FoodNavigator.com comes a story that fuels hope for a future cure for peanut allergy. Discussed at conferences and researched in scientific circles, a peanut allergy cure would mean a better chance of finding cures for other severe food allergies. It may be years away, but the idea alone brings great hope to many.

As the story begins: “Genetically modified plants or immunotherapy may eliminate allergies to peanut within five years, suggests a prominent scientist from Duke University. The comments were made in the current issue of The Lancet.” Read the remainder of the story here.

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, Pulmuone Wildwood, Inc., is recalling “Leek and Oriental Noodle Fried Dumplings” due to undeclared egg. The product was distributed through retail stores in California, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas. The product is in white, 25.4-oz. pouches with UPC 801114-306338 and code dates 2/2/2009, 2/9/2009, and 3/6/2009. Consumers with questions may call (714) 578-1487.

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, Grand Carnival L.L.C. is recalling “S’morestick Kit” due to undeclared milk. The product was distributed to Garden Ridge retail stores in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The product is in a clear plastic tube with a “use by” date of 2/14/09. Consumers who have purchased the product may call (877) 305-3382 for a full refund.

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, Inter-American Products, Inc., is recalling “Private Selection Light Churned Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream” due to undeclared egg, soy, and wheat. The product was distributed to Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The product is in 1.75-qt. containers with a “sell by” date of December 3, 2008, and codes DEC0308 8070 and DEC0308 8080. Consumers who have purchased the product may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call (800) 697-2448.

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., is recalling “Chocolate Covered Almonds” due to undeclared peanuts and “Chocolate Double-Dipped Peanuts” due to undeclared almonds. These products were available at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations in 41 states. These products were packaged in a clear, 5-oz. bag with a red-and-white diamond pattern on the label. Consumers may return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call (800) 333-9566.

According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, Harry and David, is recalling “Chocolate Covered Select Blend Espresso Beans” due to undeclared milk. The product was distributed throughout the United States in Harry and David stores. The product is in 8-oz. clear plastic bags, tied at the top with a tan ribbon, with “Best if used by” dates after 8/28/05. Consumers who have purchased the product may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call (800) 233-1101.

From The Daily News of Newburyport (MA): Alex Devlin is a nature fan, his mom said. He has a strong interest in science and nature. He’s a regular at the Joppa Flats Audubon Center in Newburyport. So last spring, when Alex, 6, and his family attended the Frog Night Ponding at Camp Kent, he heard about the camp’s Little Critters weeklong summer program and was eager to attend, Donna Devlin said…On his application form, his parents wrote that Alex has food allergies to peanuts and eggs. Shortly after they sent in the form and their fee, Devlin said they got a form letter back from town officials stating that Alex couldn’t attend the summer camp because counselors are not allowed to administer EpiPens — emergency shots that can prevent an allergic reaction from taking a life. - One of the many frustrating experiences of being the parent of a child with food allergies, this story points to a problem that has existed for many years. It also brings back some not-so-pleasant memories. While looking for a part-time preschool for our son more than a decade ago, we ran into quite a few unwilling organizations before we found a great program that welcomed our son and the opportunity to learn how to care for a child with a severe food allergy.

From CTV Winnipeg (Canada): A Winnipeg mother says her daughter’s spring break was ruined because of an airline policy that can’t guarantee safety for passengers with severe food allergies. Lori Veiderman said her 13-year-old daughter, Taylor-Anne, has a severe allergy to peanuts and peanut oil. She wanted to visit her best friend in Lethbridge, Alta. The trip required an airline flight with WestJet, and Lori wanted to make sure the airline took steps to keep her daughter safe. - While the airline doesn’t serve peanuts, its representatives couldn’t guarantee that no one onboard the flight would open a bag of peanuts or something similar. Read more about this airline dilemma - something many allergic travelers find most challenging, if not downright anxiety-provoking.