Food allergies are a very common and serious health risk. This is the reason that the Canadian government has made it mandatory for food handlers to have a food handlers certificate, which can be obtained after taking a food handlers certificate online test. According to the data, over 3 million Canadians self-report having at least one food allergy. So, when you are going to work in the food industry, it is very important to know about the common food allergens, which we are going to discuss in this blog.
Eggs –
Not many people know, but eating eggs, even boiled ones, can cause various kinds of food allergies. It has been found that eggs are a common allergy-triggering food, particularly in young children. But since they are very commonly used in cakes, pasta, dressings, baked goods, etc. It is very important to use them carefully when cooking something. The professionals in the field must thoroughly check ingredient listings, and follow up with the chef or manager before confirming or denying the presence of eggs in a particular product.
Wheat and triticale –
When the individual is having an immune system that reacts abnormally to wheat proteins, it results in wheat allergy. This is just like other food allergies and can also result in deadly, if not taken seriously. But since wheat is a common ingredient for most the dishes like bread and baked goods, cereal, beer, batter-fried foods, and many sauces and seasonings, food handlers must be careful about the allergies of the customer.
Peanuts –
Peanuts, also classified as legumes, are another common food allergen and the food allergy caused due to peanuts can happen within minutes or up to several hours after eating foods containing peanuts. This is why it is suggested for that allergic individuals should avoid eating peanuts. But it’s not just about eating peanuts, food handlers with food handlers certificate must also avoid using other sources of peanuts like peanut oil, peanut butter, and raw or roasted whole nuts. This is the reason that there are many schools across Canada that have completely banned peanuts and products made from them as a safety precaution.
Milk –
While we all had milk once or more in a lifetime, it is important to know that this is a very common food allergen and is also reportedly the highest cause of food allergy in infants. Since it is commonly confused with lactose intolerance, it is important for the individual to get a proper diagnosis done to know the kind of food allergy they are dealing with. Only when you know the type of food allergy, a professional food handler who has taken a food handlers certificate online test can prepare the safest food.
The above-mentioned are just a few food allergens that every food handler must know about so that proper care can be taken when preparing food for a customer who is allergic to the food allergen.
