Archive for the ‘Food Allergies’ Category

Hand Sanitizers Don’t Remove Food Allergens


Image credit: University of Nebraska

Everyone knows that hand washing is an important part of staying healthy. Hand sanitizers have their place, too, because they kill germs. However, sanitizers do not remove food allergens.

sanitizers dont stop allergens

Image credit:

This means that if you eat a food that contains allergens like peanuts, there is a serious risk that the allergic peanut proteins will still be on your hands even if you use hand sanitizer. To reduce the risk of contaminating other people or surfaces with those allergens, wash your hands with soap and water, or use wet wipes.

Pret A Manger and Restaurant Liability For Food Allergy Injuries

Restaurants can be held responsible for food allergy injuries and deaths, so it is important that they provide accurate information to food-allergic consumers. Thanks to @marketwatch for the opportunity to discuss these issues.

Pret a Manger

Image credit: Getty Images

Legislators Question Epi-Pen Price Spikes

Image Credits: Mylan (R), New York Times




Why Have EpiPen Costs Spiked 5-6X in 12 Years?


Image Credit: Mylan(R)

Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli isn’t the only one charging new prices for old medicine. It appears that Mylan, the manufacturer of the EpiPen, has increased the price of its emergency epinephrine injection 5-6X over the last 12 years, according to this article in Slate.

It is true that EpiPen can be a lifesaver in a food allergy emergency that causes anaphylaxis. However, this was also true 12 years ago, and it appears that the technology and medication have changed little in the interim.

So what changed? Marketing that turned this modest medication into a billion-dollar profit center. (Mylan offers a co-pay coupon for prescriptions, but many people still pay too high a price and risk their lives with cheaper and riskier ways to inject emergency epinephrine.)

Hopefully, Teva (and other generic drug companies) will soon be able to market a safe and (cost) effective alternative for the captive market of anaphylactic consumers.

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Food Fraud: More Than Just Economic Injury




Childhood Food Allergy Prevalence Higher than Previously Estimated






Food Allergy Awareness Week is May 8-14, 2011. 






What is Gluten?


What does “Gluten Free” Mean?






Allergy Alert Email Notices: Stay Informed Re: Contaminated Foods!
