I know the school year is coming to a fast close, but for those parents who have a little one entering school for the first time in the fall or for those whose kiddo has recently been diagnosed with a food allergy, the start of school (or summer camp, for that matter) can generate serious and legitimate concerns.

Take a look at helpful tips for parents at allergicchild.com.  You’ll also find up-to-date information on the food allergy community and new public policy advances.

We’re giving away yummy free samples again – this time at the Whole Foods Market in Brighton, MA on Saturday, June 13 from 11-1.  Come munch and shop.  Load up on Indigo Rabbit cookies for Flag Day!

Ming Tsai, owner of Blue Ginger in Wellesley, MA offers us another joy that is safe for those living with food allergies. 

You will love this recipe (along with accompanying video) for his Turkey Fried Rice – how2heroes.com!

Come learn all about Indigo Rabbit and taste free samples of your favorite cookies varieties!  Pick up your favorites for your holiday weekend!!!

Whole Foods Market, Cranston, RI – Friday, May 22, 11:00-1:00

Whole Foods Market, Andover, MA – Saturday, May 23, 12:00-2:00

Take a look at a kitchen favorite for me and my girls on Cafemom.com!!!

I do not want to personally prepare 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks each year.  I don’t know anyone who does.  If you or someone at home has a food allergy, there are ways to stay safe when another person is at the stove.

1. Many restaurants now have nutrition information on their websites.  If this is not the case with your favorite place, ask the manager (off peak hours) to share this information with you.

2. Speaking of “off peak hours”, you’ll have better success communicating your specific needs when your waiter isn’t being pulled in ten different directions at once.  Enjoy your restaurant visit during less busy times.

3. Make sure you communicate your specific dietary requirements very clearly.  If you’re not confident that you’re being understood, respectively ask to speak with the manager to ensure that you are.

4. Depending on the allergy sensitivity, you may need to investigate any cross-contamination possibilites that might exist in the kitchen.  Does the chef use the same pans/grills, etc. to prepare all foods?  For fried foods, is the same oil used to cook all menu items?  OR, you could just avoid fried foods!

5. It’s typically acceptable to bring along special snacks or alternative items if you’re uncertain in a new place.

6. Trust your gut.  Always ask for further clarification or replacements if something doesn’t seem right.

If you or someone you care about (and buy food for) has a food allergy, it is critical that you become a skillful label reader.  Here are a few tips that can be very useful on your next shopping trip.

1. No matter how many times you’ve purchased a particular food item, always review the ingredient listing as sometimes manufacturers modify formulations.

2. Make sure you carefully read that ingredient listing, especially any body faced items or items listed in parentheses.  Allergens can hide there.

3. All food items manufactured after January 1, 2006 (domestic or imported packaged food regulated by the FDA) are required to state information pertaining to the top eight food allergens in the product (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat).  If you suspect a food item is older than that, use caution.

4. Some allergens may not be labeled.  Currently, food producers are not required by law to include information regarding cross-contamination risks.  Indigo Rabbit voluntarily posts such warnings on all cookie packaging.

The FDA is planning to mandate new guidelines for gluten-free labeling of food items so that individuals with Celiac Disease can enjoy greater confidence in making food buying choices.  Even though such guidelines are not yet policy, Indigo Rabbit already voluntarily tests its gluten free varieties to meet and exceed the standard of 20 parts per million gluten.

5. Bottom line – if a food label is unclear to you, contact the manufacturer.