As many as 15 million people in the U.S. have a food allergy, including 1 in 13 children. Whether you have a child with a food allergy or not, it is a serious condition that affects everyone. From birthday parties, to sleepovers, to a day at the mall, the slightest trace of an allergen can be life threatening. For those directly affected, this is no laughing matter.
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- Stress to your children that they shouldn't make jokes about food allergies and that it is a serious medical condition.
- While it's good to share many things, don't share food with friends who have food allergies. You never know if something could contain a trace amount of an allergen.
- Wash your hands after eating.
- Ask what your friend is allergic to and help them avoid it.
- Get help immediately if a friend eats something they are allergic to and becomes sick.
