PeanutAllergyUK

[tinksmum29]

hi

dont know if this helps but i go to spain every year with my nut allergic child, i take loads of food with me, bread (i put it in the freezer when i get there and take out a few slices a day) breakfast cereal bars, crisps, chocolates, packet of pasta, tom ketchup, etc etc, its worth it as it makes me feel so much happier and less paranoid and i can enjoy my holiday, i usually fit it all in her hand luggage and the liquids in the suitcase she actally eats so much healthier when away as all i buy at the supermarket for her is frsh fruit, veg and meat etc. the Spainish supermarkets are fantastic so much better than home. i dont worry atall anymore!!

tinksmum

[Storm]

[LEANNE]

Thank you both for your quick replies, I feel a bit more relaxed at the fact that it is ok to take food with us. I am sure there will be food we can buy, as you say they should be labelled. We would not eat out, as we're not that brave. Do you know if McDonalds food abroad is the same as here or do they use different ingredients?
Another worry we have is regarding Epi-pens, my Daughter carries two with her at all times. Is it ok now to take them aboard the plane in your hand luggage (we will be travelling with either british airways or easy jet, most prob) I have read that I should get a letter from my GP. Also as Epi-pens should be kept under a certain temp, how do you keep them cool if you are out in the hot sun all day. Or are we worrying too much about that as well!!
Sorry if I keep asking so many questions, it's just so worrying!
Thanks

[Storm]

Hi Leanne,

McDonald's is pretty much the same everywhere, as long as you stick to the basic products (not the special items they may have in different locations). However, McDonald's always has a list of allergens. In the UK, they are listed in back of the tray liner. You can always ask to see it before you order.

As for the Epipens, you will need to take them with you on board. It is recommended that you get a letter from your GP to avoid any problems. However, I do have to say that from experience, I have travelled with my son to Canada, UK, Portugal, USA various times over the past 6 years and I have never been asked for the letter. Most times I don't even take the Epipens out of my hand luggage. They just go straight through X-ray with no questions asked. The Epipens do have a prescription label on them, but as I said... I have never been asked for the letter, even though I carry it on me.

The Epipens can't be exposed to extreme cold or heat. If you are in the sun, just keep them in the shade. Don't use cold packs or refrigerate them or anything like that. I would only be concerned about the heat if you left the Epipens in the car for several hours or under direct sunlight for a long period of time.

If you are travelling Easyjet, the cabin crew will make an announcement asking passengers not to consume nuts/peanuts of their products and they will not sell these types of snacks. They are quite accommodating about this. Just inform them about the allergy and request the announcement before you take your seats. I flew Easyjet to Edinburgh (my son wasn't with me) and a passenger had requested the announcement and one was made with no problem. One other thing I do is ask to pre-board the plane so I can take the time to clean the area. I wipe down the trays and armrests with disinfectant wipes and check the floor and seats for any crumbs, etc.
_________________
12-year-old son: allergic to peanuts, nuts and raw egg whites

[LEANNE]

Thank you so much for your reply, well I have been brave and have booked our holiday in Portugal for end of August. We are travelling with British airways. I will take all your advise and hopefully everything will be ok. Thanks once again.

[scouser]

[scouser]

just thought I would mention, I checked the Asda chocolate spread and it has a nut trace warning.

[LEANNE]

Ok thanks, my Daughter doesn't like chocolate spread, so thats one less thing to worry about.

I have printed off the translations in portugese, could you tell me what to look for on food packaging like the words for Nuts and ' May contain Nuts/peanuts.'or 'made in factory that uses nuts' or will this be written in english.

thanks for your replies, they are very helpful.

[Sly]

Hi everyone, I'm allergic to peanuts and have travelled to quite a few countries (including Thailand and Vietnam, see posts).
Generally in Europe and North America you shouldn't have any problems as there is legislation in place to include allergen information on labels, although a phrase book to help you translate the labels might be needed in non-English speaking countries. Most people in tourist destinations the World over speak some degree of English so you should be able to get the message across, if not there are books like the Lonely Planet phrase book which include translations of "I'm allergic to" and whatever the foodstuff is. (I believe there are also websites that offer this service)
If the worst comes to the worst just eat boiled rice or potatoes or something similarly impossible to poison. Or if things get really difficult go to a Western fast food outlet like McDonald's, Burger King, Dominoes pizza etc. They're everywhere!
Personally, if I'm somewhere that getting safe food is going to prove awkward then I make sure I don't stray too far from the beaten track, basically, stay where all the English speakers are and have a phrase book handy! Touch wood it's worked so far...

[Storm]

[annie489]

We are planning on going to USA. I am watching the USA equivalent forum of this one for eating and shopping tips as we are going to do self catering. I am also checking out labelling and fast food places allergy guides. Does anyone have any experience of holidaying in the USA with nut/peanut allergy as far as eating out and shopping is concerned?
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Peanut, tree nut, (and raw fruit and veg) mum

[Sly]