6 Countries to be mindful of when travelling with a peanut allergy

15th August 2024

6 Countries to be mindful of when travelling with a peanut allergy

Travelling the world can be exciting, but for those who suspect peanut allergies, it can also bring about a heightened sense of caution. Different countries have varying levels of awareness and accommodation for peanut allergies, and it’s crucial to know which destinations require extra vigilance. If you suspect you have a peanut allergy, understanding the risks in certain countries can help you plan a safer and more enjoyable trip.

Thailand

Thailand is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, but peanuts are a staple ingredient in many dishes, including the famous Pad Thai (ผัดไทย) and numerous street foods. Cross-contamination in food preparation is common, making it challenging to avoid peanuts entirely.

• Common dishes with peanuts:
  • Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)
  • Satay (สะเต๊ะ)
• Translation for “no peanuts”: ไม่มีถั่วลิสง (mai mii thua lisong)

China

Chinese cuisine often includes peanuts and peanut oil, particularly in dishes like Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁) and various stir-fries. Language barriers can also pose a challenge when communicating allergy needs.

• Common dishes with peanuts:
  • Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)
  • Noodles (花生面)
• Translation for “no peanuts”: 不要花生 (bú yào huā shēng)

India

Indian food frequently uses peanuts and groundnut oil, especially in snacks and street food. Given the prevalence of peanuts in many regional dishes, it’s essential to exercise caution and communicate your allergy clearly.

• Common dishes with peanuts:
  • Bhel Puri (भेल पुरी)
  • Chutney (शेंगदाणा चटणी)
• Translation for “no peanuts: मूंगफली नहीं (moongphali nahin)

Indonesia

Indonesian cuisine, particularly in Bali and Java, uses peanuts in a variety of dishes like Satay (Sate) and Gado-Gado. Even if peanuts aren’t listed as an ingredient, cross-contamination can occur in shared cooking spaces.

• Common dishes with peanuts:
  • Satay (Sate)
  • Gado-Gado
• Translation for “no peanuts”: Tanpa kacang tanah

Nigeria

In Nigeria, peanuts (or groundnuts) are a common ingredient in many traditional dishes, such as Groundnut Soup. Street vendors and local restaurants may not always be aware of the severity of peanut allergies, so it’s crucial to be vigilant.

• Common dishes with peanuts:
  • Groundnut Soup
  • Kilishi (spiced dried meat with peanuts)
• Translation for “no peanuts”: Ba tare da gyada (Hausa)

Mexico

While Mexican cuisine is known for its rich flavours and variety, peanuts can be found in dishes like Mole Sauce and some street foods. Ensuring that food is peanut-free can be challenging, particularly in local markets.

• Common dishes with peanuts:
  • Mole Sauce
  • Cacahuates (peanuts in various snacks)
• Translation for “no peanuts”: Sin cacahuates

Tips for safe travel with a peanut allergy

If you’re not sure whether you have a peanut allergy, the best thing to do is to first take an allergy test to be sure. If you discover you do have a peanut allergy, you’re not alone. Approximately 1-2% of the global population is estimated to have a peanut allergy, affecting millions of people worldwide.

A peanut allergy shouldn’t mean you can’t travel. Here are our safe travel tips:

• Research before you go: Research the typical ingredients used in your destination’s cuisine and identify potential risks.
• Learn key phrases: In countries where English is not widely spoken, learn key phrases to communicate your peanut allergy. We’ve given you a head start above. 
• Carry allergy cards: Use allergy translation cards to explain your condition to restaurant staff and food vendors.
• Pack safe snacks: Bring a supply of safe, non-perishable snacks in case you have trouble finding suitable food options.
• Stay in accommodations with kitchens: To avoid cross-contamination, consider staying in places where you can prepare your own meals. This isn’t always ideal for holidays, but for longer-term travel, it can bring you peace of mind.

Take control of your peanut allergy

If you suspect you have a peanut allergy, it’s crucial to confirm it before travelling. Knowing your allergy status can help you take necessary precautions and avoid severe reactions. Our peanut allergy testing kit offers a simple, accurate, and convenient way to determine if peanuts are affecting your health.

Understanding peanut allergies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Travel plans don’t need to be grounded to keep you safe. Why not register as a new patient or take one of our home allergy tests? Begin your path to a peanut-free life today. 

New study shows how to potentially treat peanut allergies

20th July 2022

New study shows how to potentially treat peanut allergies

Every so often, we see a new study or vital research into allergies. In particular, peanut allergies. Around 1 in 50 children suffer with the condition, and it’s one of the more common food allergies. And since it can lead to lethal anaphylaxis, it’s no surprise that it sees a lot of scientific attention.

One new study coming out of the University of British Columbia has shown just how effective it is if preventative treatment starts early. It’s called ‘oral immunotherapy’ and here’s what they found.

The study

The researchers wanted to see at what age group oral immunotherapy is most effective. They focused on infants under 12 months old, though this group of 69 was part of a larger study group of 452 children under the age of 5.

Oral immunotherapy is a treatment where the patient consumes small amounts of allergenic food – in this case, peanut flour. The dose is gradually increased up to a predetermined maximum amount. This method gradually desensitises the patient to the allergen, with the end result hopefully being some level of tolerance.

The children involved in the study visited a paediatric allergist every two weeks to receive their dose. Parents gave the same dose daily at home between these fortnightly visits. Over the course of the study, they went up to the maximum of 300 milligrams of peanut protein, which is equivalent to about 1.3 grams of peanuts.

The findings

42 of the 69 infants made it to the end of the study and researchers found that none of them had more than a mild reaction to a 4,000-gram dose of peanut protein. Compare this to the 7.7% of children aged 1 to 5 in the study who did have stronger reactions. It’s how they concluded that the earlier you treat peanut allergies, the better.

Saying that, the oral immunotherapy actually worked well for both groups. After a year of one peanut a day, approximately 80% of the children had developed a tolerance for peanuts. The implication is that oral immunotherapy would be an effective alternative to avoiding allergens for a lifetime.

Dr Edmond Chan, the study’s senior author and head of allergy and immunology in UBC’s department of paediatrics, said: “This treatment is affordable, very safe and highly effective, particularly if we can get it going before the infant is 12 months old.”

Research like this builds up a better understanding of how we can treat peanut allergies. As the study suggests, the sooner you tackle the problem, the better your chance of combating it. Note that this isn’t something you should do on your own. Before you think about any kind of treatment, consult an allergy specialist first.

If you want to discuss your allergy options for either you or your child, feel free to reach out to us. You can register with us as a new patient, or you can call us on 02031 433 449.