The invisible danger

David Abe / THE GATEPOST

By Emma Schor Staff Writer Navigating the world of food when you have allergies can be a real headache, especially when you’re just trying to find something to eat. As someone with food allergies, there's a shared anxiety that connects us. While I know many people have more severe allergies than I do, it’s still incredibly challenging to find food that’s safe and suitable. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from a mild rash or scratchy throat to something as serious as life-threatening anaphylaxis, and all of it can happen in the blink of an eye if help isn’t immediately available. For those with more severe allergies, even the smallest trace can be the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, because some allergic reactions don’t show obvious symptoms right away, they’re often misunderstood or dismissed altogether. There’s a misconception that those of us with allergies are just being picky or dramatic when we ask about ingredients or preparation methods, and this misunderstanding can be both frustrating and dangerous. One of the biggest challenges surrounding food allergies is the general lack of awareness. In restaurants, for example, the staff isn’t always properly trained to handle allergens, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. If a restaurant takes food allergies seriously, shouldn’t they be able to guarantee no cross-contamination? Food labeling can also be a hurdle. While improvements have been made, vague terms like “natural flavors” or “spices” leave too much room for uncertainty. Those words can easily hide allergens, leaving people guessing whether a product is safe to eat. Food companies need to be more transparent and diligent about their labeling to help protect those who depend on accurate information to avoid severe allergic reactions. It’s clear that food allergies need to be treated with more urgency, and there are several key areas that demand attention. Education and training are at the top of that list, yet they often feel like an afterthought. Medical professionals, teachers, school staff, and food industry workers all need comprehensive training on food allergies, including how to identify allergic reactions and how to respond effectively in an emergency. People like teachers and caregivers should know how to administer epinephrine and remain calm under pressure. In elementary school, there were designated lunch tables for students with food allergies, isolating us from our friends just because of the way we had to eat. We were already told not to bring in certain foods, so why were we still separated? It felt like we were being punished for having allergies. According to FoodAllergy.org, each year in the U.S., about 3.4 million people, roughly the population of Oklahoma, end up in the emergency room due to food allergy-related incidents. That means every ten seconds someone is rushed to the ER because of an allergic reaction. Something as routine as going to a school party or eating at a friend’s house can become a dangerous gamble if allergies aren’t taken seriously. Parents of children with food allergies live with constant anxiety, knowing that a single oversight could lead to tragedy. And it’s not just the emotional weight, it’s the financial strain too. Families often need to buy specialized foods, carry emergency medications like epinephrine auto-injectors, and schedule regular medical check-ups, all while trying to navigate a world that often feels unprepared to accommodate their needs. Even teenagers like me who didn’t grow up with allergies but developed them later in life face similar struggles. People tell me I’m old enough to know what I can and can’t eat, as if that should make everything easier. It actually makes it harder. I'm still learning how to manage this part of my life, and sometimes I'm unsure of what’s safe. So the next time you’re reading a label or cooking for someone, remember that a little bit of awareness goes a long way. Be thoughtful, ask questions, and educate yourself - it could literally save someone’s life. Food allergies will forever be an invisible danger.