While it is not a large list it is something. I find it is very difficult to find food that has not been contaminated by latex in some way. Here are a few things that may help with purchasing food. It came from a group that I am in. One of the people there also reminded us that sometimes these can change and unless it is a plant policy the plant that manufacturers the products may revert back to latex gloves at any time. It was also stated that all seaweed is cultivated by workers that use latex gloves as well as harvesters of tea leaves for bagged teas. I will update this list as I learn more.
COFFEE:
Marque de Pavia Family (organic coffee beans).... latex gloves used.
Caribou coffee beans.... safe.
McGarvey Estate naturally decaf.... safe.
TEAS:
Lipton .....uses latex gloves
Bigelow.....uses latex gloves
Republic of Teas .....uses latex gloves.
Teavanna ..... uses latex gloves.
BROTHS:
Pacific Foods (organic chicken broth).... latex gloves used on production
line of ALL products.
Swanson organic chicken broth..... no gloves used in production. Requested
verification of whether any other products in same plant using gloves.
FISH:
Chicken of the Sea (canned/pkgd tuna, salmon, etc.).... "the packing line
people use the food grade latex gloves, which developed only for commercial
food industry and are proved by FDA" (does not always mean its safe, some are reactive to even low grade latex)
CHOCOLATE:
Equal Exchange... latex gloves not in production line, but are used in
cleaning machinery/equipment so don't consider their chocolate "latex-free".
Trader Joes... latex gloves used.
Ghiradelli... latex gloves worn by all workers (this "was" one i used
regularly!!).
Hersheys Chocolate... latex gloves used.
Nestle Beverage...safe! waiting verification whether includes chocolate
chips & bars.
Green & Black chocolate drink mix & bars... safe. but waiting verification
on overseas plants.
Chocolove organic chocolate bars (available online) are safe.
MISC:
reser's flour tortillas are latex-free
Ocean Spray "prohibits the use of latex gloves in ALL their facilities"
(juice & dried cranberries!! yahoo!!)
Introduction
I have a Natural Rubber Latex Allergy, i was diagnosed with it 9 years ago. At that time I didn't really think much into it or how it would affect my life so dramatically. If i knew then what I know now I may have been able to prevent it from developing from what it was, a simple skin rash that itched to what it is now... full blown anaphylactic reactions. I know some do not know what anaphylaxis, in short it is the body reacting upon itself to rid itself of a deadly allergen. The following link explains in detail what anaphlaxis is and how it effects the body. Anaphylaxis-Wikipedia
There are two different types of latex allergies, Type I and Type IV. Type IV is the most prevalent. It consists of contact dermatitis, redness and itching. It is easily taken care of by washing the affected area with soap and water. Type I is not as prevalent, yet is the most dangerous. It can be deadly if proper medical attention is not. Some of the symptoms of a Type I reaction are:
- polyuria
- respiratory distress
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- encephalitis
- fainting
- unconsciousness
- urticaria (hives)
- flushed appearance
- angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, neck and throat)
- tears (due to angioedema and stress)
- vomiting
- itching
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- anxiety
It is possible to have both types of reactions, I do. while it is rare it does happen.
I have experienced all of the above except the encephalitis. With the use of various medications I have been able to control the reactions, in the event they do not work I carry epi-pens with me everywhere I go. I wear a medical bracelet and very vigilant over what I come in contact with. There is no cure, shot or anything that can help, only avoidance of latex containing products will offer any kind of relief. Repeated exposures will make the reactions worse... eventually the only thing that will work will be epi-pens and trips to the emergency room. ( at a latex free hospital. Which are out there, just have to vigilant in finding them)
That is why I have created this blog in the hopes that even one person will be able to successfully live with this allergy. I am quite sure things would have been different for me if I had known all of this in the beginning.
I have experienced all of the above except the encephalitis. With the use of various medications I have been able to control the reactions, in the event they do not work I carry epi-pens with me everywhere I go. I wear a medical bracelet and very vigilant over what I come in contact with. There is no cure, shot or anything that can help, only avoidance of latex containing products will offer any kind of relief. Repeated exposures will make the reactions worse... eventually the only thing that will work will be epi-pens and trips to the emergency room. ( at a latex free hospital. Which are out there, just have to vigilant in finding them)
That is why I have created this blog in the hopes that even one person will be able to successfully live with this allergy. I am quite sure things would have been different for me if I had known all of this in the beginning.
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Monday, April 28, 2008
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