Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Avoid All Sources of Peanuts

If your child has a peanut allergy, he must avoid all sources of peanut protein. Read labels on food products carefully. There may be new food products on the market that may not appear to have peanuts in them yet are made from peanuts. These products contain peanuts that are deflavored, reflavored, pressed, and sold as almonds, walnuts, and other nuts.

Although occasional reports of allergic reactions to peanut oil are reported, most doctors believe that peanut oil is safe to use. It's safe because the protein is removed during the processing. Some of the reactions to peanut oil may actually be reactions to other food, such as the fish that is cooked in oil.

However, if you use peanut oil, some caution may be necessary. Cold-pressed peanut oil may contain peanut protein and cause a reaction. Always check the manufacturer of the peanut oil and be sure it's a reputable one. The quality controls of some foreign manufacturers are not as good as quality controls in the US. Also, remember that reused frying oil, contains protein from foods previously cooked in that oil.

Read Food Labels

Knowing how to read a food label will help you avoid problems caused by peanuts in foods.

 
Terms that mean the product does contain peanut protein:
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peanuts                   peanut flour
peanut butter   
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Terms that may mean the product contains peanut protein: 
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cold-pressed peanut oil          mixed nuts
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Use Peanut Substitutes

Children who are allergic to peanuts, which grow underground, are generally not allergic to nuts that grow on trees. You may be able to use pecans, walnuts, or almonds in baked goods. Check with your doctor first to be sure your child can safely eat nuts.

Eliminating peanuts from your child's diet does not cause any nutritional problems.