According to MayoClinic.com, peanut allergy is a common food allergy. Symptoms of peanut allergy can range from mild skin reactions to severe systemic reactions, including difficulty breathing and dizziness. Symptoms typically occur within minutes to hours after ingestion of a food containing peanuts. Avoidance of peanuts as well as any foods that may contain peanuts is essential for preventing a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Peanut Butter
Products such as peanuts and peanut butter must be avoided by people with a peanut allergy. These products are typically easily identified, though caution should be used when eating other types of nuts. Tree nuts such as almonds, cashews and walnuts can be mislabeled or may contain peanuts. For this reason, some allergists suggest that tree nuts be avoided even by people who only have an allergy to peanuts.
Sauces
Many sauces, such as chili sauce, hot sauce, gravy and salad dressings contain peanuts or peanut oil. For sauces bought at the store, read the label to help to ascertain whether they may be contaminated with peanuts. At a restaurant, it may be better to request that dishes be served without sauces.
Baked Goods
Peanuts are present in many baked goods or in ingredients used in baked goods. This can be a particular problem with baked goods that are homemade, as the person who made them may not be aware that peanuts are present. This is why a person with peanut allergy should carry an injectable epinephrine pen to ensure that if an accidental ingestion occurs, the allergy can be reversed.
Vegetarian Food Products
Many vegetarian meat substitutes contain peanuts or other nuts for added protein and texture. While these food do not appear to contain nuts, a careful evaluation of the ingredients on the label will help to determine whether a product may be contaminated.
Foods at Restaurants
Foods at restaurants can be problematic because of issues with cross-contamination. For example, a spoon that is used to scoop peanut sauce may then be used in another dish without being thoroughly cleaned. While it can be helpful to discuss this with the waiter, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of an allergic reaction at all times.
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