Children can react to an allergen (food protein) by eating a food they’re allergic to. They can also react by touching something that has traces of that food on it, such as peanut butter residue. Usually this will result in a local reaction like hives. But there are steps you can take to prevent food allergy reactions.

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If your child has traces of food on their hands and puts their hands in their mouth, they can have a more severe reaction. The only way to remove food proteins is to wash hands or surfaces with soap and water or wipes. Hand sanitizers do not remove food.

The only way to prevent allergic reactions is to make sure your child avoids the foods they are allergic to. To do that, you need to know how to identify those foods, as well as to understand how foods are labeled in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says a label must state if a food contains the top 8 food allergies. They are milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish.

Manufacturers can change ingredients and processes at any time. That's why you should read every label every time.

Remember four steps to prevent food allergy reactions if you are preparing food for someone with food allergies:

• Read all ingredient labels
• Wash your hands
• Prepare food on a clean surface
• Use clean, separate utensils, cookware and dishes