Are you operating the kitchen at daycare, entrusted with the safety of all the children you serve? If so, food allergies are likely the first thing on your mind. More than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions, with common allergens like milk, eggs, nuts causing 90% of reactions in kids.
Taking proactive measures to help prevent allergic reactions can ensure the well-being of those under your provision. This goes hand-in-hand with additional safety measures like seating, allergy charts, communication with parents, and partnering with an allergy-aware food supplier. Schenck Foods offers an extensive set of products to perfectly outfit daycare operations.
Here are the nine most frequent allergies that you should be aware of, along with a few common food examples that you might find in a daycare setting.*
1. MILK
Milk is one of the most frequently used allergens and can be found in a variety of forms in a daycare setting— not just in a milk carton! Common food served at daycares that may contain milk could include desserts, candies, luncheon meat, and more!
2. EGGS
Eggs are another common allergy that can be easily hidden. They are a critical component of many baked goods, sauces, condiments, and more.
3. PEANUTS
Peanuts are one of the most prominent allergies and, like others on this list, can quickly become deadly. Watch out for cross-contamination, and even seemingly innocuous candy, sauce, or other goods that may contain peanuts!
4. TREE NUTS
Watch out for these troublemakers that can crop up almost anywhere— especially common snack foods!
5. SOY
Soy is another sneaky ingredient. It may not be obvious, but yoru daycare will need to be extra alert to products with hidden soy; sometimes hiding in items like vegetable broth and snack foods.
6. WHEAT
Wheat is dangerous because it can be found in almost every baked good and snack that contains flour. Make sure to exercise caution to ensure your cereals, crackers, and breaded foods don’t find their way into the wrong hands.
7. FISH
Traces of fish can be found in products like sauces, dressings, and prepared foods! Be sure to always check your ingredient labels.
8. SHELLFISH
Like fin fish, shellfish can end up in sauces and extracts and can be cross-contaminating RTE foods in processing facilities. Before serving, reach out to your sales representative for further support and information on products.
9. SESAME
Sesame is a growing allergen that packs a dangerous punch. Check your breads, dips, and prepared foods especially.
Explore Schenck Foods’ wholesale catalog today to find all the ingredients you need while keeping a daycare kitchen safe!
*This list is not meant to be comprehensive. Always double-check labels before giving a child food, to ensure no food allergens are included.
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