Dealing with severe nut allergies in France

[Anonymous]

My teen has anaphylactic allergies to

Chick peas
Green Peas
Tree nuts (although we've challenged almonds now and he is ok)
Peanuts
Lupin
Carob

NOTE: Lupin doesn't show up around here much yet... but is now big in Europe and often if you are allergic to Peanuts you are allergic to lupin.

He's traveled to Ireland, England, France (but only a day there so limited meals!), and Germany and ate out and has never had an issue (close call in Italy -- he had gelato with Carob before we knew he was allergic to it-- two bites in and his throat was itchy so he stopped... should we have hit him with the epi? Maybe -- but it was hist first exposure to carob, as far as we know, and often first exposures can be milder than a 2nd or 3rd time eating something.

We found overall that it was easier eating out in Europe than it has been in the US! They have great labels on all of their menus --- even tiny bars in small towns in Ireland we'd try -- and we did carry the specific food allergies in the language of the country we traveled in. We are big label readers when we can and when in doubt, he'd pass.

In the US we do the same -- who knew that Wendy's fast food had buns containing pea protein?? Lucky website reading pre-ordering!

Be vigilant. Be concerned. But try not to be freaked out or make a big deal of what they can and cannot have. Find alternatives where possible and enjoy!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only people I've met with such severe allergies are Americans. I wonder why.

OP here. I have no idea. My spouse is an immigrant, and I'm 1st gen; our kid was born here. Our house is not super clean, as kid has grown up with a large dog--somehow I thought that would help protect her from developing any allergies.

Not sure why nut and other food allergies are so much more common now than when we were all growing up. I wonder if the rate is much lower in France, since they seem less experienced with dealing with nut allergies, according to some PPs.

It's weird. I am European and lived there for 30+ years before moving to the US and my kids, born here, have a ton of allergies, including nuts and peanuts. I thought they would probably not have them because nuts allergies are so rare in Europe and West Africa (where my husband is from). But I was wrong! We eat mostly unprocessed, natural foods. I wondering what is causing this. Maybe the higher amount of peanut allergens everywhere since peanut butter is a staple here...

Part of the difference is likely in the diagnosis. Certainly in developing countries the access to care providers of any kind are scarce.

[Anonymous]

With a pediatrician spouse I’m shocked you guys haven’t done immunotherapy for your daughter.

[Anonymous]

I would google restaurants ahead of time. I like La Fourchette (The Fork) as a restaurant app in France. I don't have a nut allergy, but I do have a gluten sensitivity. I have to say, I've found it's actually easier to navigate this in France than the US.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With a pediatrician spouse I’m shocked you guys haven’t done immunotherapy for your daughter.

Allergy Mom here and it's not like immunotherapy is available for all allergies and all levels of allergy! It can be dangerous and it doesn't always "cure" someone of the allergy but may help with the tolerance.
Believe me, there is no amount of money I wouldn't pay to cure my kid of their food allergies if that was an option.

[Anonymous]

My child with a tree nut allergy is not eligible for a tree nut immunotherapy because his allergy is so severe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My teen has anaphylactic allergies to

Chick peas
Green Peas
Tree nuts (although we've challenged almonds now and he is ok)
Peanuts
Lupin
Carob

NOTE: Lupin doesn't show up around here much yet... but is now big in Europe and often if you are allergic to Peanuts you are allergic to lupin.

He's traveled to Ireland, England, France (but only a day there so limited meals!), and Germany and ate out and has never had an issue (close call in Italy -- he had gelato with Carob before we knew he was allergic to it-- two bites in and his throat was itchy so he stopped... should we have hit him with the epi? Maybe -- but it was hist first exposure to carob, as far as we know, and often first exposures can be milder than a 2nd or 3rd time eating something.

We found overall that it was easier eating out in Europe than it has been in the US! They have great labels on all of their menus --- even tiny bars in small towns in Ireland we'd try -- and we did carry the specific food allergies in the language of the country we traveled in. We are big label readers when we can and when in doubt, he'd pass.

In the US we do the same -- who knew that Wendy's fast food had buns containing pea protein?? Lucky website reading pre-ordering!

Be vigilant. Be concerned. But try not to be freaked out or make a big deal of what they can and cannot have. Find alternatives where possible and enjoy!!

I didn't see great labels on menus in France - the only labels I saw were the origins of the beef and fish. Cross contamination depends on the vigilance of the person in the kitchen that day. We've been pretty ill from food poisoning in Europe despite their standards - the the culprits were salads, oysters etc. There was a botulism outbreak in Bordeaux this week, so bad things can happen even with non-allergens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Watch out for peanut oil used in cooking as well.

peanut oil doesn't contain the protein that people are allergic to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Watch out for peanut oil used in cooking as well.

peanut oil doesn't contain the protein that people are allergic to.

Only if it’s highly refined peanut oil which has the peanut protein removed. I would be very wary trusting.

[Anonymous]

People i know with kids with severe allergy carry at least 2 epi-pens everywhere. If you do end up using one, depending how far you are from a hospital, you made need to administer another when the first wears off.

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering if it's better to just stay at a Marriott and eat most meals there and eat at more American restaurants where they are less likely to have nuts as an ingredient?