Terms like natural flavors or spices can sometimes hide allergens—contact the manufacturer if unclear.
6. Check Every Time
Ingredients can change without notice, so always read the label, even for familiar products.
7. Use Allergen-Safe Apps
Tools like FARE’s Food Allergy Alerts or barcode scanners can help verify products.
Create Safe Zone
Cross-Contamination Prevention Tips
1. Separate Utensils and Cookware
Use dedicated cutting boards, knives, and pans for allergen-free foods.
Avoid using the same spoon or spatula for multiple dishes.
2. Clean Thoroughly
Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling allergenic foods.
Clean surfaces, utensils, and equipment with hot, soapy water after each use.
3. Store Foods Safely
Keep allergen-containing foods in sealed containers.
Store allergen-free foods on higher shelves to prevent accidental spills.
4. Avoid Shared Fryers and Oils
Do not cook allergen-free foods in oil previously used for allergenic items.
5. Label Everything
Clearly label containers and prep areas for allergen-free items.
6. Use Separate Towels and Cloths
Do not reuse towels or clothes that have touched allergenic foods.
7. Educating Everyone
Train kitchen staff, family members, and caregivers on cross-contact risks.
8. Check Packaged Foods
Read labels for advisory statements like “May contain” or “Processed in a facility…”
Food Safety Allergy
Sanitize
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.
Clean all surfaces, utensils, and chopping boards with hot, soapy water.
Use separate cleaning clothes for allergen-containing foods.
Segregate
Use separate cutting boards and knives for allergen-free foods.
Store allergen-containing foods in sealed containers away from allergen-free items.
Label containers clearly to avoid mix-ups.
Heat Thoroughly
Cook allergen-free foods first before allergen-containing foods.
Use a clean thermometer to check safe cooking temperatures.
Avoid tasting with utensils that have touched allergen-containing foods.
Refrigerate
Keep allergen-free foods in separate, labeled sections of the fridge.
Cover all dishes tightly to prevent accidental spills or drips.
Regularly clean refrigerator shelves to remove allergen residues.
Apps and Tools to Track Allergens
Soosee – Allergy, Vegan, Gluten
Platform: iOS & Android
Features: Scan product labels, highlight allergens, works offline, supports multiple languages. Great for travelers and those with multiple dietary restrictions.
Pros: Users love its ability to scan labels quickly and highlight allergens in multiple languages. Offline functionality is praised for travel.
Cons: Some reviews mention limited database coverage for niche products.
Travel Benefits: Supports multiple languages, making it ideal for international grocery shopping.
User Feedback: Travelers appreciate its offline mode and multilingual support.
AllergyEats
Platform: iOS & Android
Features: Find allergy-friendly restaurants near you, including ratings and Disney Park listings. Perfect for dining out safely.
Pros: Users find it extremely helpful for dining out, especially in unfamiliar areas. Restaurant ratings for allergy-friendliness are a big plus.
Cons: Limited coverage outside major cities; some restaurants lack detailed allergen info.
Travel Benefits: Includes listings for major destinations like Disney parks.
User Feedback: Excellent for U.S. travel; coverage outside major cities is limited.
Food Scan Genius
Platform: iOS & Android
Features: AI-powered barcode scanning, allergen detection, personalized profiles, and global product database.
Pros: Positive feedback for AI-powered scanning and personalized allergen profiles. Users like the global product reach.
Cons: A few users report occasional misidentification of allergens.
Travel Benefits: Global product database helps when shopping abroad.
User Feedback: Positive for accuracy and personalization, though occasional misidentifications reported.
Spokin
Platform: iOS
Features: Community-based app for safe foods, restaurants, and recipes. Customizable to your allergens.
Pros: Highly praised for its community-driven recommendations and personalized tips. Great for finding safe restaurants and products.
Cons: Some users wish for more international coverage and offline features.