Tasty Tidbits  - The Allergiesandme.com Blog

The new edition of Living Without Magazine hits the shelves this week. Be sure to check out Page 43...our new ad is there! We are excited to team up with a great resource like this publication. I know it is a favorite for many of you.

They have some wonderful recipes for the holiday...and don't forget to check back frequently in our Recipe section. I am adding some submissions from cookbook authors and bloggers each week and will be focusing on giving you some fantastic holiday cooking/baking ideas!

Also, we have added a new company to our store, Cookies...for Me? They have some great tasting and fun-shaped cookies for the holidays like, a Gingerbread Man, a Turkey, Leaves and a Pumpkin. Our company mascot, Jack, gave me a big "thumbs up" for his product review of the pumpkin cookie this weekend.

Have a wonderful week.

Jamie

We can't emphasize enough the need to be careful during this "food intensive" holiday!

I just finished an article for Examiner.com that highlights some of the great tips provided by Kidswithfoodallergies.com.

Check it out here: Trick or Treat! The Top Tips to Enjoy it with Food Allergies

If you are looking for some suggestions for your "treat bowl", click here.

Have a safe and fun holiday!

Jamie

Local chapters of Food Allergy support groups had a fundraiser this past weekend for the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy: Moving Toward a Cure in Tampa, Florida. The family fundraiser provided a “food and drink free” play day at a local Gymboree Play & Music.

I was a "worker bee" and also provided a big "Allergy Friendly" basket for the raffle. I had such fun and really enjoyed watching all these wonderful kids have such a good time. I took tons of photos and got a great one of our Cute Corporate Mascot, Jack!

The event raised almost $800 dollars and hosted more than 50 families. There were over 65 children enjoying the play floor during the afternoon. We had a brief visit from an honored guest celebrity, a “peanut dog”. This trained service animal helps a local boy to avoid a potential deadly exposure to peanuts. The dog will be one of the ambassadors at the FAAN Walk on November 14th.

A special thanks goes out to Gymboree and their employees for donating the space and their whole Saturday to support this great cause.Just as a reminder, the Tampa FAAN Walk will be November 14th in Lowry Park, at Lowry Park Zoo, at 9:00 a.m. The website is www.foodallergywalk.org/tampa_fl.

One more reminder, if you are local (or feel like taking a long drive!) we are having a " FAAN 5% Day" at Whole Foods on Dale Mabry. The store is donating 5% of their sales on November 11th to the FAAN Walk! Come hungry! I will be there to introduce you to the "Peanut Dog" and pass out information.

Please show your support for these great kids!

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Jamie

FAAN recently came out with some great tips for having a safer Halloween for all those families dealing with the scary prospect of Trick-or-Treating.
Check out here and for even more information, go to their website at www.foodallergy.org.

Enjoy the upcoming goblin filled evening, but be vigilant!

Jamie

As you may know, I live in Florida....so no fall weather yet.

However, some of you may have been experiencing some cooling temperatures and starting to think about that scary holiday...Halloween.

Now, for the rest of the world, they would think I am talking about ghosts and goblins...but for those families with Food Allergies, the scary thoughts are about their children being exposed to dangerous foods and candies. Vigilance is key and I know of groups locally that have their own "Allergen Free" Halloween events for their kids. I participated in one last year and it was awesome!

My wonderful friends at FoodAllergyBuzz.com and BestAllergySites.com are putting on a Halloween Twitter Party. Allergiesandme.com is sponsoring the event and will be giving a lucky winner $50 in shopping money to use in our online store. A portion of the sponsored event proceeds go to various food allergy related non-profits.

The event is Friday, October 2nd. These ladies have put together an informative panel of people to provide informative discussions.
Please join us if you can...Halloween with Food Allergies Twitter Party

Have a wonderful weekend!
Jamie

As is the case with most of you out there...who has time to watch Oprah?! Some of you might say, who wants to!!

Aside from that, I did see a nice article on Oprah.com and I thought I would share the link: Gluten-Free, Is it for Me?

 It gives a good, well-rounded discussion about gluten sensitivities and celiac disase, as well as some steps to going Gluten Free with your diet. Every article I read gives different ideas and possible approaches, so I always want to share, even if you might find it "old news". There are always good reminders to stay safe and be vigilant about reading those food labels.

Take care and eat healthy!
Jamie

More evidence that we have a long road to accomplish safe food labeling for those with Food Allergies. The study discussed in the story below uncovers the need to demand consistent wording and definitions so that you can shop for the right foods for your families.
This study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. They surveyed 20,241 manufactured food products and found that
17 % percent included advisory labels. Manufacturers of chocolate confectionery, cookies, and baking mixes accounted for more than 40 percent of these warnings.

You can review more details on this article at Review reveals ambiguous food allergen labeling
By Caroline Scott-Thomas

Please continue your diligent label reading....and call the companies directly if you have any concerns or questions.
As for Allergiesandme.com, we relay what information the manufacturers can give us on their ingredients and processes....and you will soon see a contact page with links to all the companies we sell, with phone and website addresses for your convenience.

Please feel free to give us any feedback on other tips or tools that would help you.

Have a great day!

Jamie

No news right?!! Well, it is interesting to see the percentages!

Here's an article regarding the survey completed by ACAAI that reveals the lack of knowledge the general public has regarding Food Allergies and the dangers.

More educaton and awareness needs to the focus so that everyone is safe. Let's do our part to get the word out!

Many Americans misunderstand food allergies, finds survey
By Caroline Scott-Thomas. FoodNavigator.com

Enjoy your day.
Jamie

In my constant review of research around the globe, I see more and more articles and studies generating from the UK. This particular one refers to mandating a more complete and universal labeling requirement...which is paramount here in the U.S. as well. I know many Allergy Moms and anyone with food allergies or intolerances spend WAY to much time reading labels.Consistent codes/symbols would be a reason to celebrate. And, for those of us that require "cheater glasses" for some of the small wording, our personal vanity issues would be addressed too!

Check out the link below.... 

Use of a common symbol to indicate the presence of individual allergens in food and personal care products could help allergy sufferers identify products to avoid – especially in multi-lingual communities, say specialists from Imperial College. Allergy specialists suggest warning symbol for foods and non-foods.
By Jess Halliday, 31-Jul-2009

Have a wonderful weekend with your families!
Jamie

Okay, don't shoot the messenger on this title! I stumbled upon this blog entry and thought you might like to check out the statements made. I find it thought provoking, as it gives us more insight into how uninformed the general population may be as to the REAL DANGERS posed for food allergic children. It comes back to the adage "Walk a Mile in my Moccasins" before you judge. I couldn't resist adding my two cents as well!
http://www.good.is/post/the-food-allergy-hype-is-nuts/

Have a great day.
Jamie