It's hard to miss the supermarket shelves lined with chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies, hot cross buns and other seasonal treats that appear every March and April.
This is all part of Easter; a time filled with celebrations, gatherings and shared food with family and friends. While this time can be a joyful time, it can be challenging to navigate for people with allergies and food-related conditions.
With so many treats, social events and changing locations, finding safe options and avoiding risks takes extra planning and preparation.
Whether you celebrate Easter or just enjoy the treats, here are 10 tips to help you manage allergies during Easter:
- Don't take unnecessary risks- Only eat products that you can clearly read the label or someone has specially prepared that knows how to manage allergies and cross-contact.
- Bring your medications with you (with some extras)- Make an extra effort to carry your medical bag with all of your medications, such as antihistamines, inhalers, nasal sprays and adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors. Make sure they are easily accessible and others know where they are.
- Know your action plan- Ensure that people around you know that you have allergies and what to do if you or your loved one is having an allergic reaction.
- Locate the nearest hospital in a new place- Easter has many public holidays, so you may go away on a trip to a new location. This means you may be in an unfamiliar environment. Check ahead of time to ensure you know the closest hospital in the case of an emergency reaction.
- Make the hosts allergy aware- If you have an Easter party, make the host 'allergy aware' of your (or your loved ones) allergies in advance. You can send them your digital allergy card, or text them a message listing your allergens and common places that they would need to know. (Tip: Offering to bring a safe dish or snacks can reduce stress for both you and them and ensure there is something that is suitable.
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If you are eating out, eat out with a plan-
- Call ahead to check if they can cater.
- Inform the staff clearly about your allergies when ordering (bonus if you use an allergy card or any written communication)
- Double check when your meal or drinks are served - Check drinks carefully- If you're having drinks, ask about ingredients as allergens can be hidden in cocktails, flavourings or garnishes. Even at familiar venues, receipes may change over Easter or have cross-contact, so always check.
- It's okay to say "No, Thank you"- Easter often involves sharing food and food gifts. If something doesn't have a nutritional label or you're unsure, it's okay to decline. If needed in the situation, you can accept the gift and pass it on to someone who understands your situation.
- Wash hands regularly- Wash hands before eating and after handling shared food, craft materials or animals. This is a simple way but effective way to reduce risk.
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Be careful around Easter activities-
- Check ingredients in craft supplies like eggs. paints, dyes, and play materials
- Supervise young children during egg hunts to prevent mix-ups or sharing
- Be cautious around animals or petting zoos, as allergens can be present
- Prepare a stash of safe treats -
Hosting an allergy friendly Easter
-If you're hosting, you can help create the best Easter event
- Before the party - Ask about dietary requirements
- Label food clearly - Label the food that meets the different guests dietary requirements and keep it seperately as not to cross-contact.
- Keep the labels - Any food that is purchased keep the label so anyone can read them
- Use individually wrapped treats - Helps reduce cross-contact and allows for ingredient checking
- Try a plastic egg hunt- fill safe treats or non food items in the egg
- Use alternatives to eggs- some people with an egg allergy may not like the look of an egg to eat or paint. Even if it does not include egg, choose another shape such as a chocolate bunny to eat or a ceramic bunny to paint.
- Non-food Easter activities: There are always non-food related Easter activities if it gets too challenging. Activities such as watching Easter movies, having an Easter-themed dress up with a fashion show, singing Easter Karaoke songs, playing pin the tail on the Easter Bunny and more!
- Egg painting: If your guest is allergic to eggs, egg painting can be done with dyeable ceramic eggs and you also want to offer a different shape to paint like a bunny. Remember to check the ingredients in the dye for any allergens. If anyone is allergic to the dye, you can find markers, stamps, and/or stickers that might be safe.
Having allergies shouldn't prevent anyone from being included or feeling safe.
We hope the above tips help you with hatching your plans for Easter! If you are celebrating Easter or are just having some treats, we want you and your loved ones to have a Safe, Hoppy and Excellent time!
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The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
