Egg Allergies: What to Avoid

Allergic to eggs? Here is your guide to shopping, reading labels and eating out with an egg allergy

Leading an allergy free life is important for those with food allergies or those with family members or friends with specific allergies. SupermarketGuru has compiled a list of the things you must know when shopping for an egg allergy. This article is solely about egg allergies, but look back at our allergy friendly columns for info on other allergies.

Egg allergies affect around one and a half percent of young children, but egg allergies are also likely to be outgrown over time. What are the symptoms of an egg allergy? Most reactions associated with eggs involve the skin, but the more serious anaphylaxis can also occur.

Fortunately all FDA-regulated manufactured food products that do contain egg as an ingredient are required by US law to list the word “egg’ on the product’s label.

What to look out for on labels? Foods that contain egg or any of the following ingredients should be avoided: albumin, egg- dried, powdered, solids, white, yolk, eggnog, lysozyme, mayonnaise, meringue, ovalbumin, and surimi.

Keep in mind there are also some hidden sources of egg which can possibly include: the foam on the top of coffee or bar drinks, some egg substitutes, most commercially processed cooked pastas- including those used in prepared foods such as canned soup. Boxed, dry pastas are usually egg-free, but may be processed on equipment that is also used for egg-containing products, which some may have to avoid depending on the allergy. Egg wash is sometimes used on pretzels and pies to make a shiny appealing coating. Ask before you eat!

In general baked good, marzipan, marshmallows, nougat, and ice cream may contain eggs. Individuals with egg allergies should also avoid eggs from ducks, goose, quail, etc. as these are known to be cross reactive with chicken eggs.

For more information on egg allergies visit the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

Keep in mind that allergies are individual and it is important to discuss with your physician how to go about testing various “safe” foods so that you can find out what works for you. It is also important to mention an egg allergy before receiving a vaccine, as some do contain egg protein.

If you are dining out, sending your child to school, a friend’s house, and more you may find our Food Allergy Buddy & Celiac BFF very useful.