Leaders In Allergy & Asthma Care For Over 40 Years Nut-Free Diet There are many different foods that are called "nuts." These are tree nuts, peanuts (e.g., legumes) and seeds. Each of these foods belongs to a particular food family. When a person has an allergy to a tree nut, it is recommended that this nut and all other tree nuts in that family be avoided. It is possible to be allergic to only one tree nut or tree nut family while tolerating other tree nuts, peanuts, and seeds. It is possible to have multiple allergies to unrelated tree nuts, peanuts, and/or seeds. If someone is allergic to only one tree nut or tree nut family, they should always be careful about eating other tree nuts, peanuts and seeds that they have never eaten before. The following is a list of food families that may also be related to certain fruits and vegetables. An allergy to a tree nut, peanut or seed does not necessarily mean an allergy to a related fruit or vegetable. If symptoms occur after ingesting a related fruit or vegetable, avoid those foods which cause symptoms. 1. Almond (and apricot, cherry, peach, nectarine, plum, prune) 2. Brazil nut 3. Cashew, pistachio (and mango) 4. Chestnut, beechnut, chinquapin 5. Filbert, hazelnut, wintergreen 6. Macadamia nut 7. Pine nut, pignoli nut, pinon nut, Indian nut (and juniper berries used to flavor gin) 8. Legume family: peanut (and alfalfa, carob, beans-dried/string, licorice, pea, soybean) 9. Pumpkin seed (and cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, squash, watermelon) 10. Sesame seed 11. Sunflower seed (and artichoke, chicory, lettuce, safflower, tarragon) 12. Walnut (black/English), pecan, butternut, hickory nut 13. Poppy seed 14. Cottonseed Things to remember when shopping for food: Always read food labels carefully for the item that is to be avoided. Check for information whether that product was produced on the same equipment as other nuts. Remember, ingredients can change, so will the label. Most bakeries use the same equipment to make all breads and desserts. Check the label for equipment information or ask the bakery. Avoid items displayed together on the same try or in the same case. Things to remember when eating at a restaurant: Ask if the restaurant has special accommodations for food allergies. Ask about ingredients and what oils are used for cooking. Ask about food preparation practices. Do they clean pans/cooking surfaces/utensils between each entree? Is your food prepared where “nuts” have been used? www.coloradoallergy.com | April 21, 2010 | ho091.02 Page 1 of 1.