Kosher keeping with food allergies
Food allergies require strict avoidance of the allergen. Accidental ingestion of a specific food can lead to death. A person with multiple food allergens can end up with a very limited list of allowed foods. Keeping kosher includes additional dietary restrictions. The nutritional awareness that kosher compliance brings can actually make it easier to manage food allergies safely.
Kashrut laws prohibit the consumption of certain foods such as pork, shellfish, and insects. It is also forbidden to mix dairy and meat. A grocery shopper who adheres to the laws of Keserut cannot place any item in their shopping cart. They are careful to purchase food with the trusted kosher certification that conveys strict adherence to these laws. If that shopper also has to avoid certain foods due to food allergies, the list of allowed grocery cart items will be reduced even further.
Observing Kosher actually makes it easier to navigate the world of food allergies. Being familiar with looking at labels for Hchsher (a trusted kosher symbol) is good practice for the extra label-scrutiny required by diets with food allergies. Since kosher consumers are used to separating milk and meat, they are used to checking the label on the label of dairy products. Dealing with avoiding dairy products is easier if one already has a familiar list of pareve (non-dairy) alternatives. Take an extra step in reading food allergy labels by familiarizing yourself with the different names for allergens. If one is looking to avoid dairy products, they should also avoid: casein, lactose, and galactose (the list is partial). Learn about the full range of potential sources of specific allergens.
The observance of the Passover kashrut provides additional benefits for those with food sensitivities. During Easter, leavened bread and cakes are prohibited.
While not all kosher Easter foods are gluten-free, there are plenty of them. Passover products are also great for people who avoid soy and corn. Kintinos-Free products do not contain soy or corn ingredients. Nuts and eggs (two of the most common food allergens) are very common in Easter products. Consuming Easter products requires extreme vigilance for individuals with egg and nut allergies.
While keeping kosher may provide some advantages for individuals with food sensitivities, it is still a challenge. Having a food allergy means constant vigilance. Family gatherings, holiday celebrations, synagogue functions, and school-related food activities can pose significant risks.
The principles for dealing with these events are the same as for anyone with a food allergy. Ingredients and preparation methods (for cross-contamination with allergens) should always be checked before eating. Allergy medications should be readily available in case of accidental ingestion. With planning, preparation, and vigilance, kosher food can be prepared deliciously and safely.
