Chick-fil-A announced changes to their waffle fry ingredients. As of November 2024, the coating on their waffle potato fries now contains pea starch.

This ingredient change is updated on the company’s website. Because pea is not a top allergen, there is no allergen warning for this ingredient on their website or mobile app. You can find detailed allergen and ingredient information for your local restaurant on their website.

Always make sure to check the website or local restaurant for their ingredients. Always read labels carefully. Ingredients may change without warning. Ingredients can also vary based on region. Companies are required to provide up to date ingredient and allergen information, but they are not required to alert consumers about changes.

School parties and celebrations can be lots of fun but often involve food. If your child has food allergies, check out these tips to keep the fun and avoid food allergy reactions.

1. Partner with your child’s teacher before the party.

A few weeks before the party, contact your child’s teacher to find out how you can help make the party more allergy friendly. Sometimes teachers rely on room parents to help plan parties. Be sure to talk to the room parent too if needed. Here are some questions you can ask:

• Will food be provided for all the children (such as cupcakes, candy, chips, etc.)?
• Will the children be exchanging any gifts or cards that may have candy or treats attached?
• Will the teacher notify other parents and guardians about food allergy concerns?
• Will the teacher remind the children not to share food?
• Can you support the teacher by volunteering during the party or providing resources about food allergies from Kids with Food Allergies (KFA)?
  
  

If your child has a 504 plan that outlines how the school will handle your child’s food allergy during parties, this might be a good time to review it with your child’s teacher.

2. Make sure there are safe foods for your child.

Talk with the teacher or person in charge of the party in advance to find out what type of food will be at the party. If you can’t be sure that the food provided will be safe, send similar food for your child. This can sometimes cause confusion with younger kids who don’t understand why a classmate has different food. Talk to your child about how to handle questions from other students or parents.

KFA’s Allergy-Friendly Foods Collection is a great starting point when looking for packaged treats and candies free from the top allergens.

3. Encourage non-food treats.

Celebrations don’t always call for food! Non-food treats can be just as fun and are inclusive for children with all types of diet restrictions. They are healthier too. Kids love items like stickers, pencils, and other trinkets. Download KFA’s Non-Food Rewards at School handout and share it with your child’s teacher.

4. Recommend non-food activities.

When the kids are having fun, they probably won’t miss the food.

Instead of eating, kids can do fun activities in line with the theme of the party. Here are some ideas:

• Allow children to design and create handmade cards for classmates, teachers, and family using construction paper, paper doilies, glue, stickers, and other craft materials.
• Make paper flowers from tissue paper and pipe cleaners.
• Make a paper garland for the classroom.
• Allow children to decorate a mailbox or paper bag to use to collect their cards or treats.
• Have the class work together to decorate a bulletin board or the room door.
• Create origami shapes.
• Make friendship bracelets for classmates to share.
• Make little critters from pom-poms, felt, pipe cleaners, and googly-eyes.
• Host a poetry or story reading.
• Have children bring in games, puzzles, LEGOs, and other activities from home to share in small groups or simply use classroom games.
• Do Mad Libs, crossword puzzles, math problems, word searches, and writing prompts to go with the party theme.
  
  

5. Remind your child of age-appropriate food allergy management skills.

Remind your child not to eat anything if they don’t know if it is safe. Tell your child to check with you or a trusted adult about whether or not they can eat a certain food. Remind them not to share food.

You could also make an agreement with your child that they will not open candies or cards until you can check them together to see what is safe. Have some fun things to swap for anything that is not safe to eat.

Elevation Foods Issues Recall Due to Undeclared Soy in Hannaford Seafood Salad

For Immediate Release

October 31, 2024

Contact Information

Elevation Foods
+1 (978) 646-8950 x 104

Company Announcement

Danvers, Massachusetts. R. Walters LLC dba Elevation Foods is recalling 1,668 units of mislabeled Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz because it contains an undeclared Soy allergen. Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recall extends to the following labels and package sizes.

• Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz
  • UPC: 0 41268 25161 2
  • Best By: 11/13/2024, 11/14/2024
  • Units: 1,668

The Use by can be found printed on the lid of the container.

The product is only sold in Hannaford stores. The product is sold in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. The products were distributed between 10/25/24 to 10/29/24 with Use by of 11/13/24 and 11/14/24. Hannaford has been notified and has removed the product from store shelves.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the printer of the labels for Hannaford Seafood Salad had provided Elevation Foods with labels that did not match the current product formulation. These labels were created for an upcoming formulation change and were shipped to Elevation Foods in error.

To date, Elevation Foods is not aware of any reports of consumer illness related to this product.

Consumers who purchased the impacted product specified above should not consume the products and can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Elevation Foods during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm +1 (978) 646-8950 x 104.

When you manage food allergies, and other conditions like asthma or eczema, health insurance can be very important. But health care can also be confusing. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives people the opportunity to get health insurance if they can’t get coverage through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid, or elsewhere. People with ACA coverage also cannot be denied for pre-existing conditions.

These resources will walk you through the process, answer common questions and help you learn more about health insurance.

Health Insurance Marketplace Guide for Asthma and Allergies

What is open enrollment? How do you enroll in a Marketplace plan on HealthCare.gov? What’s the difference between a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan? What do you need to consider if you have food allergies or asthma? Get answers to these questions and more, with additional resources so you can be prepared before you sign up for Marketplace insurance.

Understanding Health Care Changes

Each year, there are new changes to the ACA. Before you purchase a plan, you need to be aware of changes for the upcoming year. This summary of ACA changes provides helpful information like essential terms and how to get more help.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford Epinephrine Devices

Even with health insurance, life-saving epinephrine might not be affordable for everyone. Learn what options are available and how to reduce your out-of-pocket cost on the epinephrine devices currently available in the U.S.

Updated October 2024

Grand Central Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, and U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie

For Immediate Release

October 26, 2024

Contact Information

Grand Central Bakery
503-232-0575
retailfeedback@grandcentralbakery.com

Company Announcement

October 25, 2024, Grand Central Bakery Portland, OR and Seattle, WA is recalling U- Bake frozen pie products and frozen pie dough because they may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product

The affected U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, and U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie products have expiration dates between 02/01/2025 and 04/20/2025. These pie products were sold between August 1, 2024, and October 20, 2024, and are packaged in clear plastic packaging with Grand Central Bakery branded sticker labels containing product identity. The expiration date sticker can be found on the exterior of the packaging.

U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie were sold at all Grand Central Bakery Café located in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. Grand Central Bakery Café locations are listed below:

Seattle Area:

• Burien - 626 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166
• Eastlake - 198 E Blaine St, Seattle, WA 98102
• Wallingford - 1607 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
• Wedgewood - 7501 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Portland Area:

• Beaumont - 4440 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213
• Cedar Mill - 12595 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229
• Hawthorne - 2230 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
• Hillsboro - 118 SE 2nd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
• Mississippi - 714 N Fremont St, Portland, OR 97227
• Multnomah Village - 3425 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97219
• Sellwood - 7987 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
• Woodstock - 4412 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after an employee noted that egg was added to the above pie dough products and distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Customers who still have the affected product on hand are advised to contact our GCB café support team at retailfeedback@grandcentralbakery.com or our website’s contact page https://www.grandcentralbakery.comExternal Link Disclaimer to receive a refund. Customers may also contact Grand Central Bakery at 503-232-0575 Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Atwater’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in “Spider Web Tart”

For Immediate Release

October 28, 2024

Contact Information

Atwater’s
410-644- 3435

Company Announcement

Atwater’s of Baltimore, MD, is recalling its clam shell packages of spider web tarts sold 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 because they contain undeclared almond flour. People who have allergies to tree nuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled spider web tarts were distributed on 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 at the following farmers markets located in the MD/DC/VA area: Arlington Courthouse, Falls Church, H Street, Mount Pleasant, Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, Greenbelt, and Westover. The product was in a clear clam shell plastic package marked with a green Atwater’s “Spider Web Tart” label on top and a Julian date of 292 labeled on the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem and none were sold in retail stores.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the almond containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds, see below for photos of both the product and packaging in question. Subsequent investigation indicated the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and labeling processes.

Consumers who purchased spider web tarts on 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 at any of the listed farmers markets are urged to call or email Atwater’s directly to return the product and initiate a refund. Consumers may call Atwater’s Mon-Fri from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST at 410-644- 3435 or email us at info@atwatersfood.com.

Kellanova (formally Kellogg Company) announced that starting October 2024, Rice Krispies Chocolatey Peanut Butter products will contain almond and hazelnut ingredients.

This change only affects the Chocolatey Peanut Butter variety. No other Rice Krispies Treats flavors are affected, and it does not impact any shared line warnings. The Chocolatey Peanut Butter Rice Krispies variety is made at a separate facility from the other Rice Krispies varieties.

This allergen change will be clearly noted on the front of the packaging. Almond and Hazelnut will also be added to the ingredient list and allergen statement.

Remember to read every label, every time. Ingredients can change at any time. Look on packages for the most up-to-date ingredient and allergen information.

Thank you to Kellanova for alerting us about the ingredient change to share with the community. We appreciate their efforts to inform consumers.

This September, Enjoy Life Foods discontinued their chocolate bar products. This includes their seasonal mini varieties.

Enjoy Life will continue to make their lentil chip and baking chocolate products. You can use Enjoy Life’s product locator and online grocers like Instacart, Amazon, iHerb, Vitacost, Thrive Market, Walmart, and Target to buy remaining inventory of their chocolate bars.

You can find other chocolate options in Kids with Food Allergies’ (KFA’s) Allergy-Friendly Foods and Safe Eats® Allergy-Friendly Recipe Collections.

You can also make molded chocolates and candies easily with safe for you chocolate chips or large bars. Here are some recipes to get you started:

• Molded Chocolates - Create chocolates in any shape or flavor you choose.
• Mini Chocolate Crisps - Crunchy, versatile, and bite-sized chocolate pieces.
• No-Bake Chocolate Dainties - Made with rice cereal, rice milk, sugar, and cocoa for a simple no-bake treat.
• Buckeye Candies - This popular treat is modified to be free from the most common allergens.

What alternative chocolates have you found? Share in the comments!

Kids with Food Allergies (KFA), a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), worked with researchers from Children’s Hospital Colorado and Baylor University and other experts to develop a food allergy treatment decision guide. The tool compares food allergen avoidance to oral immunotherapy (OIT).

This decision guide is a 4-page document that compares 2 treatment options and a short questionnaire for caregivers to fill out about their wants and needs from a food allergy treatment.

Download, print, and share

To create this tool, AAFA and KFA community members took a brief survey about the tool on how helpful it would be for the decision-making process. Results of the survey were published in the journal “Allergy.”

Your voice is an important part of research. You provide valuable insights into the daily management of food allergies. This can help researchers develop more resources and educational tools that better serve the needs of people living with food allergy.

Con Yeager Spice Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits

For Immediate Release

October 21, 2024

Contact Information

Con Yeager Spice Company
724-202-6513

Company Announcement

The Con Yeager Spice Company of Zelienople, PA, is recalling its TRAIL BOLOGNA MEAT PROCESSING KITS, because they may contain undeclared soy and wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy and wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if this product is consumed.

The recalled Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits were distributed nationwide through wholesale distribution, retail stores, and mail order via https://www.conyeagerspice.comExternal Link Disclaimer

Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits come in 17.88 Ounce pouches, UPC code 797442404137. Affected pouches are marked with lot # B241851006 and with a Best by Date of 2-08-27. The lot and date can be found on the front center of the pouch.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered by a customer that their box of Hickory Jerky Kits contained Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits. Hickory Jerky kit contents were inadvertently packaged inside of Trail Bologna Meat Processing kit pouches.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Production of the product has been suspended, while the company’s ongoing investigation determines the cause and corrects the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Trail Bologna Kit pouches, Lot B241851006, are urged to contact Con Yeager Spice for return and replacement. Distributors who have purchased boxes of Hickory Jerky are urged to inspect the contents of their cases for Trail Bologna kits and contact Con Yeager for return and replacement. Consumers with any questions may contact Customer Service or Sales at the Con Yeager Spice Company at 724-202-6513, 8 AM EDT through 4:15 pm EDT, Monday through Friday.

Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by hurricane season, and most recently, Hurricane Helene. Natural disasters like hurricanes can leave families without power and disrupt deliveries of food and medicines. Because of the widespread destruction caused by Helene, the situation in North Carolina is dire.

Food provided by shelters during an emergency may not be safe for kids with food allergies. Even if the ingredients are safe, there may be the potential for cross-contact with their food allergens. This makes access to safe allergy-friendly foods essential in times of emergency.

Access to lifesaving medicine like epinephrine and emergency care can also be limited during and after natural disasters.

Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts:

Local groups are collecting donations for food allergy families in need:

• FOODiversity is partnered with Manna Food Bank. Manna serves more than 200 agencies, including food pantries and care centers for older adults and children. They will hand out products to organizations and households with food allergies, celiac disease, and other food-related conditions. People can buy food items from their Amazon Wishlist that will be donated for hurricane relief efforts.
• PAKCharlotte (Parents of Allergic Kids) in North Carolina has set up donations of allergy-safe foods for people in need. They have secured a delivery location in Boone, North Carolina. People can buy food items from their Amazon Wishlist for easy donations.

ARS Pharma, the company that makes neffy, announced they are donating 1,700 neffy prescriptions to impacted areas in North Carolina. Neffy is an epinephrine nasal spray, a needle-free alternative to epinephrine auto-injectors. If you or someone you know needs access to these devices, they can contact the United Way North Carolina for assistance.

As the communities impacted by these hurricanes recover, the need for allergy-friendly foods and medicine will continue. You can help by sending donations to those in need. We will update this blog as we learn more information.

What Is the Allergy Breakfast Club?

The Allergy Breakfast Club (ABC) was started by Dana Johnston, a parent who saw a need for more awareness of food allergies and food-related diseases in schools. Dana’s daughter, Briley, was diagnosed with celiac disease at 5 years old.

Briley had frequent stomach aches and would toss and turn during the night, unable to sleep from the discomfort. Dana recalls food wasn’t even on the radar as a possible cause. It took several tests and weeks of uncertainty to find their diagnosis. While a diagnosis provided answers, it was a learning curve and an adjustment for the whole family. The diagnosis opened a whole new world where there was a lot to learn.

“One day my eldest [child] came home from school and says, ‘Mom, guess what? A girl in my class has celiac disease too,’ Dana said. “I remember being surprised. I started hearing all these stories of other kids with food allergies [and food-related conditions] and thought, “How did I not know about this before?”

Dana realized there were other parents and kids who probably felt the same way. Food-related diseases can feel isolating. It’s important to have spaces where you can be reminded that you’re not alone in this journey.

The ABC was started to help support families with food allergies and food-related conditions and raise awareness of their impact. Every Monday morning before classes, students can meet up to talk, play games, and snack on allergy-friendly foods together. Activities are offered to help teach the students about food allergies and celiac disease so they can manage them with confidence. Parents are also invited to join in on the conversations and continue the lessons at home.

“This is a place where students can come together and talk about the struggles and help each other grow” says Dana.

ABC started with 10 members. In 2024, they have reached 22 members. Most recently, Dana said it has been heartwarming to see siblings attend the club together and support each other.

How Does the Allergy Breakfast Club Help Educate Students?

The club has hosted guest speakers such as pediatricians and dieticians to give age-appropriate tips to the students. Popular activities include decorating teal pumpkins and allergy bingo, among others. They've also made gluten-free play dough, made allergy-friendly slime, and even decorated allergy-friendly cakes.

One important topic ABC talks about is how to be prepared for celebrations and gatherings. Many of these events revolve around food and can feel stressful. Kids are encouraged to speak up for themselves and help others understand food allergies. They learn about important questions to ask, such as, “What does this meal have in it?” or “How did you prepare it?”. They learn that asking questions is important and okay.

Food Allergies and Bullying at School

After her daughter was diagnosed, Dana began learning about celiac disease and food allergies. In her research, she came across stories of children who were bullied because of their food-related conditions. Students would make fun of other children who couldn't eat certain foods or dare them to eat them.

Food allergy bullying goes beyond emotional and mental harm. It can put a child’s life at risk. People may not understand how serious food allergies are and the consequences of bullying. Intentionally exposing someone to their food allergen is a form of bullying. Depending on the type of food allergy, food allergy and bullying can lead to anaphylaxis.

ABC aims to reduce the potential for food allergy bullying by raising awareness of food allergies, celiac disease, and their impact. Awareness can help children understand these conditions better.

The Club’s Impact on the School and Community

The ABC has been a positive function for Dana’s family, as well as for the school and community. Briley loves it and states it makes her feel she is fully supported by her family.

"We're going to do anything and everything that we can to support [Briley] and to make her journey easier and healthier and happier for her,” Dana shared.

In the past, Dana noticed kids may have felt embarrassed and isolated because of their conditions. Now, they talk about them with pride and confidence.

“Monday rolls around and they'll tell us about a birthday party that they went to on Saturday and how they went with their own snack, their own food, and they came prepared so that they didn't have to feel singled out at that birthday party,” Dana said.

In honor of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Celiac Disease Awareness Month, club students will be featured on the school’s morning news. Each day in May, they’ll share different allergy facts and statistics with the school to continue bringing awareness of food allergies and celiac disease.

Through social media, other people have learned about ABC and reached out to Dana. One person connected with Dana, and successfully started a club in her county.

“[It] was really cool to hear her getting it started at her school,” Dana recalled. “The more we can do this, the better and the more supported our children and other children are going to be.”

Starting an Allergy Breakfast Club

Dana reached out to the principal of her daughter's school and asked for a meeting to discuss starting a school club. This club would be open to all students, not just children with food-related conditions. This included siblings and friends of kids with food-related conditions allergies, as well as families who just wanted to learn more about it. With the full support of the school, the ABC started 3 years ago.

For anyone who is interested in starting a club, Dana recommends starting a list of parents who would be interested in joining. Then speak with the school principal about the club, what you’d like to do, and get their support. If possible, brainstorm ways to provide allergy-friendly snacks for the group.

Looking for candy for the kids, or kids at heart, in your life who have food allergies? Here is the Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) candy guide for food-allergy-friendly sweets! You can use this guide when shopping for candy for holidays, gatherings, treats, parties, or just for fun!

Avoiding Food Allergy Reactions

Remember, read labels every time on any food you give your child. Ingredients can vary for many reasons, especially on different sizes and treats in seasonal packaging.

Also, remember that a holiday, party, or celebration is not the best time to try new foods.

Find Allergy-Friendly Candy

Search KFA’s Allergy-Friendly Foods collection for candies and treats to fit many food allergy needs.

The buttons below take you to different searches for candy free of the allergens listed on the button. The “Free of Top Food Allergens” button searches for candy and gum free of the most common food allergens – milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish. We have also included buttons below for common categories.

You can set up your own custom search. Click “All Candy” then “Show Search Query.” Adjust the search for what you want to avoid and then click “Search” at the bottom of the form.

     

Click the item in the search results to view the product listing in our Allergy-Friendly Foods collection. Each product includes information about allergens and ingredients, flavors, and varieties, as well as facility information from the manufacturers’ websites.

Some companies make holiday-themed candy. You can include seasonal tags in your search to find holiday candy. Here are the tags you can search for:

• Valentine
• Easter
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Hanukkah or Chanukah
• Christmas
  
  

Note: The “Free of Top Food Allergens” and the “Peanut & Tree Nut Free” searches may include items that contain coconut.

KFA has also created a shareable handout for our candy guide. Our handout lists candies free of the top allergens. Download it to take shopping or to share with teachers and your child’s other caregivers.

Download, print, and share this guide

Below, we have listed a few of the products you can find in our Allergy-Friendly Foods collection.

Chocolate

free2b Chocolate Sunflower Butter Cups – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

PASCHA Chocolate Bars – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

No Whey! Foods Choco NoNo’s – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

Gummies and Chewy Candy

Sunkist Fruit Gems – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

Surf Sweets Delish Fish – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

YumEarth Organic Giggles – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

Hard Candy and Lollipops

No Whey! Foods Chocolate Lollipops – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

YumEarth Organic Pops – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

Mints and Gum

Glee Gum – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

Red Bird Candy Puffs – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

Seasonal

Amanda’s Own Chocolates – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, shellfish, mustard, sulfites, and lupin

No Whey! Foods Chocolate Lollipops – Free of milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), coconut, sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish

Other Sweet Treats

All Free Brownie Bites - Individually wrapped chewy brownies in a variety of flavors. Can also be frozen to enjoy later.

Better Bites Mo Cupcakes - Soft chocolate cupcakes filled with vanilla cream and dipped in chocolate ganache. Available individually or in 6-packs.

Drizzilicious Mini Rice Cakes - Mini rice cakes drizzled with various flavors for a crunchy, low-calorie snack. Available in 4 oz. or .74 oz. bags.

Partake Cookies - Crunchy or soft-baked cookies in a variety of flavors. Also available in individually wrapped mini snack packs with seasonal packaging.

Other Ways to Buy Allergy-Friendly Candy

In addition to our Allergy-Friendly Foods collection, you can also find many options online at the Natural Candy Store. Their site allows you to filter and shop by allergens too.

Updated October 2024

Many children with food allergies have eczema as babies. This is part of the allergic march – the natural progression of allergic diseases in a person over time. This means eczema and food allergies are connected.

Does Eczema Cause Food Allergy?

Eczema is caused by a defect in a protein in the skin that helps it build a barrier. It is often genetic, meaning someone else in the family has eczema or another allergic condition. Infants who have persistent or severe eczema have a higher risk of developing food allergies. Most likely, they have a genetic tendency to develop other allergic conditions.

Because of family history, a child with this tendency is also more likely to have environmental allergies (such as pollen, dust mites, and mold) and asthma.

The connection between food allergies and eczema may happen when a baby has eczema and food touches or is rubbed on their skin. Because their skin barrier is not as effective as it should be, their immune system reacts differently to contact with the food through the skin.

This is not cause for alarm. There are a lot of factors that go into whether or not a child develops a food allergy. Just because food touches your baby’s skin does not mean they will develop an allergy to that food.

The best way to help prevent your child from having a food allergy is by introducing allergenic food to your child when they start eating solid foods – around 4 to 6 months old. That may help your baby build a tolerance to those foods.

Does Food Allergy Cause Eczema?

It's unlikely that a specific food is the cause of your child’s eczema. Most babies do not see an improvement in their eczema when foods are removed from their diet.

Because of this, recent guidelines actually recommend against doing panel food allergy testing in babies with eczema. Why? Several reasons.

Children with eczema have high rates of false positives to food allergy testing.

If a child has a false positive to a food but eats that food with no reaction, you may be told to avoid that food. Removing a food from their diet may actually cause your child to become allergic to it when they eat it months later.

David Stukus, MD, explains more in this video:

Watch on YouTube

Should My Child Avoid Foods If They Have Eczema?

Most children do not get relief from eczema when foods are removed from their diets. Often, eczema flares after eating a food are a coincidence. As mentioned above, removing food from their diet can do more harm than good because it may cause them to develop food allergies to those foods you have them avoid.

This applies to breastfeeding/chestfeeding infants as well. Removing food from the parent’s diet typically does not improve the child's eczema.

Watch on YouTube

The important thing to focus on is eczema care. Focus on the skin barrier, avoiding environmental factors and triggers – such as skin care products with fragrances. Use very thick, greasy, unscented emollients such as Vaseline on a regular basis. Use anti-inflammatory topical treatments long before talking with your doctor about removing food from your child’s diet.

If you have concerns about your child’s eczema and food allergies, see a board-certified allergist. They can answer your questions, help you figure out your child’s triggers, and help your child find relief.

Hammond’s Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones

For Immediate Release

October 3, 2024

Contact Information

Devon DeVries (Hammond’s Candies)
1-888-226-3999 or at 303-333-5588 x 180

Company Announcement

Hammond’s Candies of Denver, CO is recalling 4-ounce bags of Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones were distributed to AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, Washington, D.C., through retail stores and mail order via https://www.hammondscandies.comExternal Link Disclaimer and https://www.amazon.comExternal Link Disclaimer.

The recalled Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones are packaged in a 4-ounce stand-up, resealable bag, with UPC -6 91355 90513 5. Hammond’s item number for this product is FC23212. The recalled product codes LN0525453 Use By: 03/20/2025 and LN0525453 Use By: 05/20/2025 can be found printed on the lower-center region of the back of the bag. See below photos for example.

One report of an allergic reaction has been reported in connection with this problem to date.

The recall was initiated after the firm received one consumer report of an allergic reaction experienced after consuming the product. As part of the firm’s ongoing investigation, the product was tested and found to contain more than trace amounts of milk proteins, which is not indicated on the packaging. The firm’s investigation into the cause is ongoing.

Consumers who have purchased Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Devon DeVries at Hammond’s Candies at 1-888-226-3999 or at 303-333-5588 x 180 Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm MST.

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Truly Good Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds and Cashews in Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix 3.25 oz Cup

For Immediate Release

September 25, 2024

Contact Information

704-602-0610
marketing@trulygoodfoods.com

Company Announcement

CHARLOTTE, NC – September 24, 2024 - Truly Good Foods is recalling its 3.25-ounce packages of Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with a Best Before 041625 because they contain undeclared almonds and cashews. People who have allergies or severe sensitivity to almonds and cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled product was distributed to distribution centers in FL, GA, MD and TX and retail locations in: DC, FL, IL, MN, NC, SC, TN, and VA from 8/23/2024 – 09/19/2024.

The product, Gabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix is packaged in a 3.25-ounce, clear plastic container with a green label, UPC 0 94184 00439 8 and a Best Before date of 04/16/25 stamped on the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated on September 23, 2024 after a customer noticed an incorrect cup. The firm discovered that the tree nut-containing product was distributed in mislabeled packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds and cashews. The product inside the cup could be Healthy Trails Mix which contains raisins, sunflower seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cashews.

Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

Customers who have purchased 3.25-ounce packages of the Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix cups with Best Before 041625 are urged to dispose of the product and can submit for a full refund at www.trulygoodfoods.com/grabeezrecall/External Link Disclaimer. Customers with questions may contact the company at marketing@trulygoodfoods.com or 704-602-0610 Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm EST.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.