Did you know people with food allergies can have a reaction from tactile contact with food particles on surfaces? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 4%–6% of children in the United States. In the United States, the following eight foods or food groups account for 90% of serious allergic reactions: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.
What can you do? In addition to educating yourself about food allergies and their effects, you can reduce the risk for cross contact by:
• Eating only at picnic areas or tables
• Cleaning your hands after eating
Visit the Center for Disease Control to learn more at www.cdc.gov.