Barbecuing for allergy sufferers

Barbecuing with regard to Food Allergy Affected individuals

You want your Charcoal Barbeque to be a relaxed affair, potentially a spur-of-the-moment situation.

All you want to do is put a few burgers on the barbeque grill and hang out.

But if you are inviting people for food, it is worth merely asking a couple of questions to make sure that your unique chicken satay won't claim its first victim.

Sure, it is each and every person's obligation to check just what they are putting in their own mouths however, if you think to inquire first and save all of them the hassle of raising the topic then you're likely to look like a very thoughtful host indeed.

Some Background

To begin with, there is a difference between a potentially fatal food allergy and a food intolerance.

A food allergy is when the body's immune system mistakes foods, for instance eggs, shellfish or nuts, as harmful.

Typical reactions can range from mild to very serious and even fatal.

A food intolerance can make the individual feel sick but it is not generally dangerous in the same way that an allergy could be.

Nevertheless, from the chef's point of view, you never actually want to trigger either of them with your bbq food.

Food items which frequently trigger allergies include peanuts, tree nuts (Brazils, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans), fish and shellfish, cows' milk, eggs, soya, gluten and wheat.

In the UK, about ten people die annually through an allergic reaction to food and many more find themselves in hospital.

If one of the visitors has a very severe allergy then it is possibly safest not to include that ingredient in any of your dishes to remove the potential of cross contamination by way of surfaces or utensils.

Warning signs
food allergy symptoms include:

• itchy or perhaps swollen lips, mouth, tongue and throat

• skin reactions (e.g. swelling and itching, a rash around your mouth, eczema and flushing)

• wheezing or shortness of breath

• diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting and bloating

• coughing

• runny nose

• sore, red and itches eyes

A number of people develop a severe, whole-body allergic reaction referred to as anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock; an uncommon however potentially fatal.

In such a circumstance they require instant treatment by having an Epipen adrenalin injection which, if they are prone to this reaction, they will be carrying with them.

Somebody must give them the injection and then phone an ambulance.

Should they do not have an Epipen, get them to drink plenty of water (assuming they are conscious) while you wait for the ambulance.

Nuts

Allergies to nuts can be bad.

If you have a visitor who is badly allergic to nuts or peanuts, it is simply less complicated (and safer) to not serve anything with nuts or even nut-derived ingredients.

In the event that their allergy is really terrible it can be brought on simply by touching or being close to someone who is consuming nuts or has done so recently.

Just being in the same room as nuts can be a genuine problem.

Seven Steps to Success

1. Understand the distinction between allergy and intolerance and take your guests requirements seriously

2. Find out what allergies your guests have well ahead of time so that you can pick recipes that everyone will delight in.

If this is not achievable, for example if you are not sure who will be coming, and also if you are providing for a high number, in that case give a number of different choices which areto be ideal for the main allergy types and remember to select a nut free menu - just in case!

3. Check the labels on packaged foods.
In foods such as bread, crisps, pastries and puddings you can sometimes find ingredients that you would not usually anticipate; for instance, milk powder the type of ingredient in certain brands connected with crisps.

Bizarre. (Save the labels which means that your ! guests can look into the ingredients when they feel they need to- you'll find that they must be a bit paranoid simply to manage.)

4. Label the dishes for visitors with allergies/intolerances and ensure their meals are 'ringfenced' which means your other visitors do not unintentionally consume it and leave them with absolutely nothing.

5. Ensure that small children with allergies are unable to access any meals or even drinks that they should not.

6. If in doubt about an ingredient or product, leave it out - it's not worth the gamble.

7. Don't end up being upset in case the allergy sufferer asks you lots of questions about ingredients or even - being helpful - proposes to bring their own food.

The really good news is that the majority of barbecue dishes might be used for allergy sufferers.

For instance a individual with a wheat allergy can certainly still take pleasure in burgers andsausages providing they have not been made by using wheatflour.

Serve them with greens or perhaps potatoes as an alternative to bread or get one of the many brands of wheat- and gluten-free buns available in most supermarkets .

Here are a few of the most typical allergies and also suggestions regarding how to approach them while catering for a Gas Barbecue:

Dairy

Not any milk products whatsoever, including cheese, cream and yoghurt.

Remember that several processed meals include milk or milk powder as an component when you might least anticipate this.

Eggs

Examine the ingredients label as quite a few products might contain egg for what may seem like no apparent reason.

Should you normally use eggs in the hand made burgers, you can purchase egg replacer from most good health food retailers.

You can also buy egg free mayonnaise.

Wheat and Gluten

A number of people are allergic to each - a few only to one or the other.

The leading food product you will be offering that contains wheat plus gluten is most likely bread.

Keep some burgers and sausages to one side and serve with a side salad or baked potato as a substitute.

On the other hand, buy wheat- and gluten-free bread or buns in bigger supermarkets and also health food shops.

Once again, check labels for hidden wheat and gluten, particularly on items for example beef burgers which normally contain wheat in order to bulk them out.

It is also important to remember that lots of alcoholic drinks include wheat and gluten, e.g. beer, lager, whiskey and some vodka.

Soya

Soya (sometimes called soy) is a common allergy and it is found in numerous refined foods.

Additionally it is a vital ingredient in many vegetarian burgers and sausages, so if you are offering these, make sure that anyone with. a soy products allergy understands which ones to avoid.

Nuts and peanuts

Nuts and peanuts are used in lots of different products including dressings, breads and desserts.

Examine labels carefully.