Allergic? How to Eat Safely

Food allergy reactions can range from mild to deadly. And because certain allergy-triggering ingredients can turn up in foods you never dreamed of--nuts and eggs are common--the Food Allergy Network suggests the following tips for safe eating:

* To minimize risks, cook allergy-free foods that can be enjoyed by everyone.

* Always read labels. Ingredients can change unexpectedly from one month to the next. If the food or candy does not have an ingredient list, do not eat it.

* Remind family members and friends that strict avoidance is key when managing food allergies and even one little bite can hurt.

* Nuts or peanuts are used in many foods, including breakfast cereals, candies and cookies. Some commercially prepared apple pies also contain nuts.