1.  There are different types of food allergies.  While all food allergies involve a response of the immune system, some are life-threatening and others are not.  Recognizing that different types food allergies exist can help you understand that children with allergies to the same food may have different treatment plans for avoiding that food.

2. There are varying levels of severity.  Just because two different children might be allergic to the same food, does not mean their bodies are likely to respond the same way to that food.  A combination of testing and medical history for each child can help determine which forms of each food that child’s body will be able to tolerate.

3. Allergies change.  Children with food allergies aren’t necessarily born with an allergy to a specific food.  Instead, they are born with the genetic disposition to develop food allergies and as such can develop new food allergies at any time.  Especially in the younger years while a child’s immune system is still developing, new allergies can develop and existing allergies can become more severe.  Always check with a child’s parent before assuming you know which foods are or aren’t safe.

4. Products change.  Food manufacturers can change their ingredients or processing procedures at any time.  A product or brand which a parent may have approved as safe in the past, may not be safe anymore.  Always ask the child’s parent to double-check the label whenever you purchase a new package of a product that has already been approved as safe.

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