Anaphylaxis Australia

Joe has a Nut Allergy

Joe The Kangaroo lives in the outback of Australia. Often he joins campers when they have picnics, but has to be really careful because he is allergic to peanuts and other nuts.

When he is at home his mother and father must check what he eats all the time. If his mother tells him that he cannot have peanut butter on his toast, he must listen because he knows that it will make him sick.

He cannot eat cakes, biscuits or chocolate unless his parents give them to him. They have checked the labels beforehand making sure that there are no nuts included. He knows that he must not eat anything unless he asks his parents or teacher first. He likes to be safe.

Jack the Cat

Joe the Kangaroo

Click here to see the movie or visit some more friends!

Parent's Handy Hints

If your child has a peanut allergy it's safer to avoid all nut products. Sometimes peanuts will be sitting near other nuts in the production line or processed with other nuts and contamination may occur as a result of this practice.

The following foods commonly cause problems for the peanut/nut allergic when eating out and should be avoided unless they can positively confirm that there is no peanut/nut protein present: African, Chinese, and Thai dishes, baked goods (pastries, cookies, etc), candy, chilli, sauces, toppings and gravy (apparently peanut butter is used as a shortening or oil in some recipes for gravy or sauces). Peanut sauce has also been used as a secret ingredient for marinating. It is recommended not to eat out at all, unless you are 100% sure that there are no peanut or nut products used in the preparation.

Satay (peanut sauce) chicken and other meats are often cooked on Bar-B-Q's. Cook your child's food on alfoil to be sure no other food comes in contact with it. You could ask restaurants to cook your child's food the same way

It is important to read the ingredients at all times and ask for information from the manufacturers about food, household and cosmetic products. It is not uncommon to find arachis oil (peanut oil) or almond oil in sunblock creams, ointments, lotions, etc, that your child might be exposed to. Information on Hidden Ingredients

Halloween and Christmas present an increased risk for a nut anaphylactic child. With all the excitement of the festivities others may forget the special needs of the child. Small "trick o' treats" or bags of "goodies" given to the child must be checked. It is important to take the time to explain to your child in a casual fashion that there may be some treats they will be unable to eat. Remind your child that even children that do not have allergies do not get to eat all their lollies and plan to trade the "forbidden" treats with the safe ones when your child gets home.

When buying fresh food (chicken, meats, etc) be aware that the shop assistants may have been handling food that present a risk to your child. For instance if the shop assistant's previous customer had bought satay chicken, it is quite likely that the assistant's gloves will still have satay sauce on them. To be certain that your food is not contaminated, request that the shop assistant put on a new pair of gloves. Also check that the food is not lying side by side with food that is likely to contaminate the food you are buying.

Find more information on:

Travel
Living with Anaphylaxis
Food Alerts