What should I look out for on Food Labels?

Peanuts and nuts tend to be well labelled on most foodstuffs but there are a few exceptions.

Oils – Oils contain fats rather than proteins and so should, in theory, be safe but differences in processing lead to different conclusions.

Refined Peanut oil has proven to be relatively safe, presenting little or no reaction in many sufferers, and only mild reactions in others. The decision to use this product has to be made by the patient, and if necessary, discussed with their specialist.

Unrefined (or Crude) Peanut and Tree Nut Oils can contain proteins, regardless of nut type. The presence of even a small amount of these proteins can be enough to cause a reaction, so avoiding them is usually recommended.

Peanuts and tree nuts can also be hidden ingredients in many pre-prepared dishes. Peanut Butter is a popular hidden ingredient in many types of foods from cookies to curries. Many Thai, Asian, Indian and Chinese recipes use nuts, nut oils, or peanuts in their ingredients.

Always look for labels listing Peanut as Groundnut.

Be aware that many labels now also state “may contain traces of” nuts / peanuts/ seeds etc. If you suffer from a severe allergy this is probably not a product you would wish to try.