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For people with food allergies, navigating the world of packaged foods can be challenging. In India, where packaged food options are growing, the risk of allergens sneaking into seemingly safe products has increased. As a nutritionist, I help clients make informed choices about packaged foods so they can enjoy convenience without compromising safety. Here are practical tips to help you confidently manage allergies and avoid common triggers when choosing packaged foods.

 

Understanding Common Food Allergens in Packaged Foods

The most common allergens include dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. These ingredients may appear under unfamiliar names, making them difficult to spot on labels. For instance, dairy can be present in the form of whey, casein, or ghee, while soy may appear as hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Identifying allergens in these forms in Indian packaged foods is essential to avoid them.

 

How to Avoid Allergens in Packaged Foods

Managing allergies effectively starts with understanding ingredient lists and allergen labels. By learning to spot common allergens and hidden ingredients, you can make safer food choices and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

 

Selecting Allergy-Safe Packaged Foods in India

As packaged foods become more popular in India, allergen safety is more important than ever. Checking labels thoroughly and using tools like TruthIn can help you identify safe, allergen-free options with ease. Here’s a quick guide to navigating allergen information in Indian packaged products.

 

1. Check the Allergen Statement

Indian food labeling regulations make it mandatory to label major allergens in the Contains or Allergen Information section, making it easier to identify any potential allergens. For example, if a product contains milk-derived ingredients, the allergen statement should state Contains milk. Checking this section first is a quick way to avoid hidden allergens.

 

2. Look for Cross-Contamination Warnings

Many packaged foods in India include advisory labels, such as May contain traces of peanuts or Processed in a facility with wheat. These warnings mean cross-contamination may be a risk, even if the allergen is not a main ingredient. Such warnings are especially common in processed snacks and packaged sweets. If you have severe allergies, it’s best to avoid products with these warnings.

 

3. Be Cautious with Natural and Artificial Flavours

Broad terms like natural flavours or artificial flavours can sometimes mask the presence of allergens like milk, nuts, or soy. To ensure safety, consider reaching out to the manufacturer if you’re unsure. Apps like TruthIn are particularly helpful because they can decode ingredient lists and help you identify potential allergens.

 

4. Look for Allergy-Friendly Certifications

While allergy-friendly certifications are still emerging in India, some products are labeled gluten-free or nut-free, which makes it easier to avoid specific allergens. If such certifications aren’t available, focus on products that are minimally processed with simple, transparent ingredient lists. Looking for allergy-friendly Indian brands can also provide added peace of mind, as these brands often adhere to more stringent quality controls.

 

Extra Tips for Managing Food Allergies with Packaged Foods

If you or a family member has food allergies, these additional tips can help you manage allergies effectively:

- Choose Whole Foods When Possible: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed grains are typically allergen-free and offer safer alternatives.

- Keep Snacks Simple: Snack foods often contain hidden allergens. Opt for simpler snacks with fewer ingredients to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

- Use TruthIn’s Family Profile and Allergen Filters: Apps like TruthIn allow you to set up family profiles that include specific allergen information, which helps customise product recommendations. With TruthIn’s allergen filters, you can filter out products containing common allergens, making it easier to shop safely.

 

Avoiding Common Food Allergens for a Safer Diet

For those with food allergies, the world of packaged foods can seem daunting. However, by understanding labels, paying attention to allergen statements, and checking for cross- contamination warnings, you can safely enjoy the convenience of packaged foods. Tools like TruthIn can provide additional confidence by helping you filter for allergens, decode ingredient lists, and make safer choices for a balanced, allergen-free diet.

 

Conclusion

Whether you’re managing an allergy for yourself or a loved one, navigating the world of packaged foods in India doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Armed with knowledge, vigilance, and supportive tools like TruthIn’s allergen filters, avoiding allergens becomes much easier. With these resources, you can safely enjoy the convenience of packaged foods while maintaining a balanced, worry-free diet.