Six tips for safe food preparation in your kitchen

September 20, 1:58 PMProvidence Food Allergy ExaminerDorian Havers

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A wooden chopping board is an allergen no-no.

When you first learned that you had an allergy, or found out your child has an allergy, your first question was probably “What can I eat?” There is a lot of info out there about foods – what foods are acceptable and which are not. However, the bigger risk for many people is not the food itself, but how it’s prepared and stored. A lot of this for me has been trial and error, and there are some things I never even thought about until it was too late. Instead of fumbling through the process, here are some things to think about. Maybe it’s time to assess- or reassess- your kitchen.

•  Cutting boards: Use different colors and designate a cutting board just for you. That way, you know that this particular cutting board has never been in contact with any allergens.

•   Utensils: If you are highly allergic, get your own utensils- both for cooking and eating. This is particularly necessary if you are allergic or sensitive to gluten because gluten will adhere to porous surfaces, even after being thoroughly washed. If you can’t get a whole new set of utensils, designate a few pieces that are only used for you. Craft stores sell puff paint that work great here- 1 dot on the back of your spatula will ensure that yours is never mixed in with the rest. Stainless steel or nonporous serving utensils are best if possible.

•  The Dishwasher: If it’s older or not functioning properly, there still may be some residue on your dishes.

•  Spices: Mostly those salt and pepper shakers. They sit on the table and people grab them, eat, and grab them again. This is a real possibility of cross contamination, and probably one that most people overlook. Get your own salt and pepper shakers.

•  Tupperware: Plastic is very porous. Now that most grocery stores sell disposable containers at very reasonable prices, it should be pretty easy to keep allergen free food separate from the rest.

•  Dish towels: For obvious reasons, you don’t want to wipe your hands on something that has likely been in contact with an allergen. Use paper towels, or designate a certain color for your dishes.