If you have food allergies, eating safely is a daily concern. Even the tiniest amount of a food can cause an allergic reaction. Although these risks are always present, you can eat safely by keeping certain things in mind. Here are some tips to follow when preparing and eating food:

• Wash your hands with a liquid or bar soap or use commercial hand wipes (not hand sanitizer) often as you prepare foods and before serving.
• Clean counters, tables, and other surfaces with common household cleaners.
• Carefully wash all utensils (e.g., forks, spoons, knives), pots and pans and cutting boards with dish detergent and water.
• When cooking several foods at the same time, cook the allergen-free meal first. Keep it covered and away from any splatter caused by other foods during cooking.
• Do not trade or share food, utensils, or food containers.
• When eating away from home (e.g., school, work, cafeteria), keep food on a wrapper, napkin, or container.
• Young children with food allergies should eat in a special area while at school or daycare (e.g., table where certain foods cannot be eaten) and be supervised by an adult while eating.
• Always have your auto-injector (e.g., Epipen®/Twinject®) with you. Do not eat if you do not have it with you.