Food Allergy Question - Merrimack,NH

i doubt they are allergic to that degree, its not like peanuts, where even a trace will cause shock. celiacs is either a sensitivity or an intolerance to gluten (the protien that is the binding ingredient in most breads). It usually effects digestion and with that absorption of important nutrients. you dont really need to worry about crumbs. But as for the snacks you can serve, your local health food store, (even some hebs and krogers, and fiesta) have g/f sections. I particularly like pamelas and kinnickkinnin(sp) brand cookies.

Hi K.,

I don't think it is silly at all. I think a lot depends on the ages of the kids--are they old enough to know not to eat any crumbs they might find?

My guess is that vacuuming will be enough. But if you are worried, run it by their mom.

Sorry I wasn't more helpful. Hugs to you for being a caring friend!!

K. Z.

I'm gluten intolerant (not quite as severe as celiac). You shouldn't have to worry about slight physical contact, like on your couch. (That's only an issue if the kids have an anaphalactic allergy--like nuts or shellfish--to wheat or corn.) If I end up touching something briefly, it's fine as long as I wash my hands afterwards or before I eat.

The most important thing is to clean (with soap and water) your food prep surfaces, containers, and implements so that any gluten is washed off before you prepare food for the kids, preventing "cross-contamination." If you have things with grooves or cracks (wooden spoons, older cutting boards, etc.) that have had bread / gluten on them regularly, you probably shouldn't use those to prepare food for the kids. Elizabeth Hasselbeck's book, G-Free Diet, has a chapter on how she makes her kitchen work at home (where she's celiac but her family isn't). If your local bookstore has it, it would probably reassure you a lot.

Kudos for you for being such a good friend. For those with food issues, having "safe food" away from home is such a treat.

Not silly at all. I think the kids will be fine. We have a nephew with Celiac disease and his parents eat gluten products in their living room and there are crumbs ALL over the place since they rarely vacuum, yet it doesn't seem to affect our nephew. When he comes over here I actually make more of an effort than his parents do by making sure all tables, floors, cushions are clean just in case. I think vacuuming and wiping tables will be sufficient! :-)

My sister and I both have celiac and have never had a problem with this. My husband eats foods w/ gluten and I don't vacuum as much as I should! Even if they were to stick some crumbs in their mouth, I really don't think it would be enough to cause a problem.

This actually may depend on the kids. Some celiac patients actually have a skin condition with the celiac disease. In this case the vaccuuming question is really important. I would ask the Mom.

My son has celiac disease, and my daughter just had the biopsy today to see if she has it. Contaminants for us, don't matter unless they are food related -- such as the toaster! If the toaster has ever been used for regular bread, don't use it for their stuff -- toast in the over with a clean cookie sheet. The other thing is ketchup and mayo -- if you use the knife to spread either on regular bread and then dip it back in for the next sandwhich, then ketchup or mayo are contaminated. We buy the squeeze bottles for this reason.

When in double have fruit! That is my answer to most allergy issues with kids. :-)