Nut allergy advice please

[GBENJAMIN71]

Hi,

My 4 year old son originally had a reaction to peanut butter at 2 years old. He was tested and found to be allergic to peanuts but not the dangerous protein that caused anaphylaxis. The next test at 3 years old showed it was the same and there was some hope that he would grow out of it or that it would be minor allergy. The latest test showed an increased allergic reaction and included walnuts now. We were given Epipen and told that it was now more serious but no blood test was taken. We were still told that he could eat items that said "May contain nuts" as long as the ingredients didn't contain nuts. I have read on other sites that even this isn't cautious enough and I'm worried. Would appreciate thoughts on this from other parents

Thanks

My son had a reaction to Nutella and got tested and was allergic to tree nuts, peanuts and lentils. The only time he’s had a reaction has been when he’s ingested something with ‘actual’ nuts in it - the Nutella and then a knock off aero from Aldi that I presumed was ok but actually had hazelnuts in it. He seems to be fine (so far) with ‘may contain nuts’ ‘produced in an environment where nuts are used’ type products.

Allergy U.K. have a helpline OP. It might be worth giving them a call and talking it through

It really depends how you want to live. The chances of something with 'May contain' are usually low but there is always a chance and it's to do with the production line. My DS is 3 and is allergic to nuts, cows milk, eggs, sesame and pine nuts and we avoid 'May contain' foods. It's hard so you have my sympathies. My sister is also allergic to nuts and she doesn't avoid the 'May contain' foods and she's had a few reactions but very mild and not needed her epi pen. Good luck x

My daughter is allergic to peanuts and some tree nuts. We were told may contain nuts should be fine and it was for a while, then she had a mild reaction to may contain nuts. It is harder now, but I avoid those products too now.

OP it's hard , every person is unique when it comes to reactions so hard to give advice really.
My son is allergic to tree nuts , mainly cashews , pistachios and walnuts. We used to allow may contain things and he still does eat some things with may contain labels but he's 16 now and he is more careful now as he's reacted to things with may contain.
I think it's common sense and look at what other things the factory produces and only take risks when you have an epipen and are in a place you feel comfortable. We;re very careful when travelling..take no risks. You'll learn where to take the risk.

I hope your son outgrows it.