Food Allergies: A Life-or-Death Reality

Food allergies are a serious public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. For those with severe allergies, exposure to even trace amounts of allergens can lead to anaphylaxis—a potentially fatal reaction that demands immediate intervention. For families like mine, navigating life with food allergies is not just a matter of vigilance but an ongoing fight to ensure safety and awareness in environments that often fail to prioritize the severity of this condition.

In the wake of preventable tragedies like the deaths of Dominique Brown, a social media influencer and co-founder of @BlackGirlDisney, Alison Pickering, and Idris Qayyum, along with the life-altering injury to George Cadman-Ithell, it’s clear that our collective efforts to combat food allergy-related risks must intensify. These stories remind us that food allergies are not a niche concern but a global crisis that requires widespread education, systemic accountability, and individual preparedness.

The Role of FAACT

Organizations like the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) are at the forefront of this battle. FAACT provides vital education, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families living with food allergies. From guiding schools in implementing safe food practices to equipping restaurants with proper allergen training, FAACT works tirelessly to create environments where individuals with food allergies can live without constant fear.

FAACT also plays a crucial role in legislative advocacy, pushing for laws that mandate allergen labeling, improve emergency response protocols, and ensure schools and workplaces are better prepared to manage allergic reactions. Through their partnerships and community initiatives, FAACT not only raises awareness but empowers families to become their own best advocates in a world that often underestimates the severity of food allergies.

The Importance of Carrying Epinephrine

One of the most critical tools in the fight against food allergies is epinephrine. Often sold under brand names like EpiPen, Auvi-Q, and others, epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It works by reversing the symptoms of an allergic reaction, including swelling, hives, low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. When administered promptly, epinephrine can mean the difference between life and death.

For those with food allergies, carrying epinephrine at all times is non-negotiable. It’s not enough to hope that a nearby pharmacy or emergency room will have it available—anaphylaxis can escalate rapidly, leaving little time to seek outside help. Each individual with food allergies, as well as their caregivers, should carry at least two doses of epinephrine, as some reactions may require a second injection before medical professionals can intervene.

However, the importance of carrying epinephrine extends beyond personal responsibility. Schools, workplaces, restaurants, and public venues must also stock epinephrine and train their staff to administer it. Tragically, many fatalities occur because epinephrine is either not available or not administered in time.

Wearing a MedicAlert Foundation ID

Another lifesaving measure for individuals with food allergies is wearing a MedicAlert Foundation ID. These bracelets, necklaces, or tags provide essential medical information to first responders during an emergency when the individual may be unable to communicate. For someone experiencing anaphylaxis, this quick access to information can expedite treatment and save lives.

MedicAlert IDs are particularly important for children, teens, and young adults who may be less likely to articulate their allergies in high-stress situations. A simple tag that lists allergies to peanuts, shellfish, or other common triggers can guide emergency personnel in administering the correct treatment.

Moreover, MedicAlert IDs also provide a sense of security for individuals with food allergies and their families. In moments of uncertainty, these IDs act as an additional layer of protection, ensuring that critical information is always accessible.

The Broader Need for Education

Despite the clear risks associated with food allergies, public understanding remains alarmingly low. Many people view food allergies as an inconvenience rather than a potentially life-threatening condition. This misconception leads to dismissive attitudes, inadequate preparation, and, in some cases, outright negligence.

For example, restaurants may fail to prevent cross-contamination because staff members are unaware of how serious a single peanut particle or trace of shellfish can be. Schools might overlook the importance of allergy action plans, leaving students vulnerable during lunchtime or class parties. Even airlines, where passengers are confined to a shared space for hours, often lack consistent protocols to accommodate travelers with allergies.

The solution begins with education. Comprehensive training programs for food handlers, educators, and other professionals can dramatically reduce the risk of accidental exposure. Awareness campaigns can help the general public understand the gravity of food allergies and foster a culture of empathy and support.

Turning Tragedy Into Advocacy

The preventable deaths of Dominique Brown, Alison Pickering, and Idris Qayyum, and the injury to George Cadman-Ithell, are heartbreaking reminders of what’s at stake. These individuals were more than their allergies; they were vibrant, talented people whose lives were tragically cut short due to systemic failures.

Their stories underscore the urgent need for systemic change. It’s not enough to rely on individuals with food allergies to manage their own risks. Society as a whole must step up to create safer environments. This includes:

• Legislation: Advocating for stricter allergen labeling, mandatory epinephrine availability, and consistent training standards in schools, restaurants, and other public spaces.

• Corporate Responsibility: Encouraging businesses to prioritize food allergy safety as part of their operations.

• Community Support: Building networks of understanding and compassion to help individuals with food allergies feel supported rather than isolated.

• 
  

Until There’s a Cure

While we hold out hope for advancements in food allergy treatments, such as desensitization therapies and potential cures, our focus must remain on prevention and preparedness. Lives depend on our collective efforts to mitigate risks and respond effectively when emergencies arise.

Carrying epinephrine, wearing a MedicAlert ID, and supporting organizations like FAACT are tangible steps we can all take to protect individuals with food allergies. But beyond these actions, we must continue to advocate for systemic changes that address the root causes of preventable tragedies.

Enough is enough. We owe it to Dominique, Alison, Idris, George, and all those affected by food allergies to create a world where these tragedies are no longer part of the narrative. Together, we can ensure that the next meal, the next flight, or the next classroom experience is safe for everyone.

By working together—families, advocates, businesses, and lawmakers—we can build a future where food allergies are treated with the seriousness they demand and where every individual can live without fear. Until that day comes, we must remain vigilant, vocal, and united in our mission.

About Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a globally recognized author, speaker, and advocate dedicated to helping individuals and organizations thrive through positive change and personal growth. As the founder of the Best Ever You Network and a Hay House author, Elizabeth has inspired millions through her best-selling books, including Percolate: Let Your Best Self Filter Through, The Change Guidebook and The Success Guidebook.

Elizabeth is also a passionate advocate for food allergy awareness and education. Living with multiple life-threatening food allergies herself, she understands the challenges faced by individuals and families navigating this condition. Her children’s book, A Lesson for Every Child: Learning About Food Allergies, co-authored with bestselling author Sally Huss, provides a heartfelt and educational resource for children, parents, and educators to promote understanding and safety in classrooms and beyond.

In addition to her advocacy, Elizabeth serves on the board of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT), where she works tirelessly to promote allergen safety, improve public awareness, and advance legislative initiatives.

Elizabeth holds a degree in Journalism from St. Ambrose University and completed executive education in leadership at Harvard Business School. She has been married for over 26 years and is the proud mom of four sons. When she’s not writing or advocating, you can find her inspiring others through her podcast, The Best Ever You Show, which has over 5 million downloads.

Elizabeth’s unwavering commitment to making the world a safer and more understanding place for those with food allergies is central to her mission to cultivate hope, healing, and harmony for all humanity.