If you are reading food labels searching for milk allergens, you have probably seen ingredients with scientific names that sound like they might contain milk protein. The following information might help you make sense of some of those confusing ingredients.
Calcium phosphate: used for leavening in dough, or as an anticaking agent. Does not contain milk protein.
Calcium propionate: used in breads to prevent mold. Does not contain milk protein.
Ghee: made from simmered butter until the liquid evaporates. Contains milk protein and should be avoided by those with milk allergy.
Ferrous lactate: used as a source of iron. Does not contain milk protein.
Glucono-delta-lactone: used in curing, leavening, or pickling, in baked goods, pickles, tofu, and fish products. Does not contain milk protein.
Potassium lactate: used as a flavor enhancer and to extend the shelf life of meat and poultry. Does not contain milk protein.
Sodium caseinate: helps fats stay suspended in water-based products such as milkshakes and ice creams, and as a binder in processed meats. Does contain mik protein and must be avoided by those with milk allergy.

Online coupons are one of the best money-saving resources, but coupons for allergen-free foods are difficult to find. Three websites to try include: BeFreeforMe (http://www.befreeforme.com), Mambo Sprouts (http://www.mambosprouts.com), and Organic Valley (http://www.organicvalley.com). All of the sites offer coupons. Free samples may be available. Be Free For Me also has an online newsletter. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods offer coupons on their websites. Try to plan meals and shopping lists ahead of time to save time at the grocery store. You may be able to buy your favorites in bulk at the grocery store. Ask the manager. Try some of the ethnic grocery stores for allergy-safe grains, but never buy a product if you cannot read the label. Food Co-ops can also offer cost-savings, but caution is advised regarding cross-contamination. For epinephrine injectors it might be worth looking at DealMed (http://www.dealmed.com). And finally, try Coupon Sherpa for more bargains (http://www.couponsherpa.com).

Be on the lookout for your allergens in these unexpected places:

Milk: ready-to-eat pork and beef barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, potato chips, mayo, peanut butter, deli meat, canned tuna
Egg: meatloaf, meatballs,fish cakes, tarter sauce, pizza, salad dressing, red wine, potato chips, beverages, baby food
Soy: potato chips, hamburgers, low-fat peanut butter, sweet and sour sauce, dips and spreads
Wheat: turkey patties, potato chips, rice cakes, marinara sauce, ice cream, play dough
Peanut: chili sauce, hot sauce, egg rolls, gravy, hot chocolate, puddings, specialty pizzas, Asian and Mexican dishes, salads and dressings
Tree nut: veggie burgers, salads and dressings, pasta, honey, fish, breading, pancakes, pie crusts, barbecue sauce
Fish/shellfish: salad dressing, meatloaf, pizza, imitation fish or shellfish

These are just examples – you probably have examples of your own – please share with us!

Once again, the food allergy symposium at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital was a great success.  Information from the Symposium “Emerging Food Allergy Issues” have been posted here and All About Milk Substiutions here.  (the slides take a minute or two to download, for personal use only, all rights reserved)