How to reduce risk of ALLERGIC REACTIONS in the kitchen

Kitchen safety requires a broad range of efforts to prevent injuries and illnesses. Kitchen safety should involve efforts to keep kids away from sharp objects and hot surfaces. Attempts to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can prove dangerous and potentially deadly, also must be part of maintaining a safe kitchen. The relatively recent rise in food allergies has added a new variable to the mix as well.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE®), a group dedicated to improving the life and health of millions of people with food allergies, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room every three minutes. FARE® also notes that, between 2007 and 2016, treatment of anaphylactic reactions increased by 377 percent.

The increase in food allergies underscores the importance of prevention. Individuals can take various steps to keep their kitchens clean and reduce the risk of allergic reactions in their homes.

Avoid cross-contamination

The Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom notes that cross-contamination occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one object to another. The FSA notes that the most common example of cross-contamination occurs when bacteria is transferred between raw and cooked food. Cross-contamination poses a threat when cooking for people with food allergies and people without such allergies. In such instances, cooks must make sure foods never touch and that cooking surfaces, including cutting boards and pots and pans, are thoroughly cleaned before preparing and cooking for people with food allergies. Prepare meals for people with food allergies first as an extra precaution.

Designate certain utensils and dishes for people with food allergies

Another way to reduce the risk for allergic reactions in the kitchen is to designate certain utensils and dishes exclusively for people with food allergies. This can reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions and serve as a safety net if dishes aren’t thoroughly cleaned.

Don’t invite too many cooks into the kitchen

Having too many people in the kitchen at one time can increase the chances that people with food allergies will eat food or touch a contaminated surface that could make them sick. This is especially so for children with food allergies, as kids may not be aware of all the foods they should avoid. Guests with allergens on their hands also may unintentionally touch surfaces, potentially triggering allergic reactions in others.

Wash hands

Cooks should wash their hands with soap and water prior to touching foods. This reduces the risk of contamination caused by allergies lingering on cooks’ hands. Cooks should wash their hands prior to touching any food they haven’t already touched. This may require cooks to wash their hands multiple times when preparing a single meal, but it’s an effective way to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Taking steps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions when preparing and cooking meals is a vital component of kitchen safety.