From December 2014, the EU FoodInformation for Consumers Regulation (EU FIC) came into force. This essentially means there is a change in the way that we provide information to the consumer (or in this case the parents of the consumers).
There is now a legal responsibility to provide allergen information, about the ingredients that is in the food that is prepared for your child. This information needs to be shared and kept updated whilst your child is in mycare.
As I only give children food which has been provided by the parents this would not normally be necessary. However, it is my responsibility to know which allergenic ingredients are present in any snacks which I provide or baking/cooking we may do. Below is the list of the 14 major allergens, please use this chart to also document any information relating to your child. This will then be used to ensure that your child is not given any foods where an identified allergenis present.
There are 14 major allergens which need to be declared when used as ingredients The following list tells you what these are and provides some examples of foods where they may be found:
Please provide information here regarding any intolerances your child may have
Celery- This includes celery stalks, leaves and seeds and celeriac. It is often found in celery salt, salads, some meat products, soups and stockcubes.
Cereals containing gluten- This includes wheat (such as spelt and Khorasan wheat/Kamut), rye, barley and oats. It is often found in foods containing flour, such as some baking powders, batter, breadcrumbs, bread, cakes, couscous, meat products, pasta, pastry, sauces, soups and foods dusted with flour. The cereal will need to be declared. However, it is up the childminder to declare the presence of gluten with this.
Crustaceans- This includes crabs, lobster, prawns and scampi. It is often found in shrimp paste used in Thai curries or salads.
Eggs- This is often found in cakes, some meat products, mayonnaise, mousses, pasta, quiche, sauces and foods brushed or glazed with egg.
Fish- This is often found in some fish sauces, pizzas, relishes, salad dressings, stock cubes and in Worcestershire sauce.
Lupin- This includes lupin seeds and flour, and can be found in some types of bread, pastries and pasta.
Milk- This is found in butter, cheese, cream, milk powders and yoghurt. It is often used in foods glazed with milk, powdered soups and sauces.
Mollusks- This includes mussels, land snails, squid and whelks. It is often found in oyster sauce or as an ingredient in fish stews.
Mustard- This includes liquid mustard, mustard powder and mustard seeds. It is often found in breads, curries, marinades, meat products, salad dressing, sauces and soups.
Nuts- This includes almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio nuts, macadamia or Queensland nuts. (These can be found in breads, biscuits, crackers, desserts, ice cream, marzipan almond paste), nut oils and sauces. Ground, crushed or flaked almonds are often used in Asian dishes such as curries or stir fries.
Peanuts- This can be found in biscuits, cakes, curries, desserts and sauces such as for satay. It is also found in groundnut oil and peanut flour.
Sesame seeds- This can be found in bread, breadsticks, houmous, sesame oil and tahini (sesame paste).
Soya- This can be found in bean curd, edamame beans, miso paste, textured soya protein, soya flour or tofu. It is often used in some desserts, ice cream, meat products, sauces and vegetarian products.
Sulphur dioxide- This is often used as a preservative in dried fruit, meat products, soft drinks and vegetables as well as in wine and beer.
Dealing with severe allergic reactions
I am aware that a child may be having an allergic reaction if they are displaying the following signs.
Having difficulty in breathing
Lips and mouth are swollen
If they collapse
In the event of a child having an allergic reaction in my care, I will follow the procedure outlined below.
Do not move the child, because this could make them worse.
Call 999 immediately and describe what is happening; explain that you think the child maybe having a serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. It is important to mention the word anaphylaxis to ensure that the urgency of the situation is communicated and that appropriate medication will be available.
Ask the child (where appropriate); if they carry an adrenaline pen and if necessary help them retrieve it. If they are struggling to self-administer, then offer to assist them.
Any child knowntome to have an adrenaline pen, I will have received prior training to ensure that it is administered correctly.
For further information see the below link
http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/multimedia/pdfs/publication/loosefoodsleaflet.pdf