DID YOU KNOW?

Gerbs Chia Seed Meal can be a great replacement for eggs when baking! For each “egg,” mix 1 tablespoon of Gerbs Chia Seed Meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, until mixture becomes gel-like. 

FAST FACTS

• Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies worldwide. It is usually outgrown by 10 years of age, but can persist in some individuals.
• Egg allergy most commonly appears during the first year of life (the average is 10 months) and occurs during the first known exposure to egg. The reaction can present within minutes of exposure, and up to 2 hours post-exposure.
• Common symptoms include hives, vomiting, and swelling. Though less common, anaphylaxis and respiratory/cardiovascular symptoms (e.g. coughing, wheezing, hypotension, throat tightening) can occur.
• Those with egg allergies exist on a spectrum, with some individuals being allergic to all forms of egg (e.g. raw, cooked baked) and others only being allergic to raw or partially cooked egg products. This is because the baking process can reduce the allergenicity of the egg protein.
• Children with an egg allergy are at an increased risk for a co-existing peanut allergy.
  Egg allergies are typically cross-reactive, meaning those who are allergic to hen’s eggs are also allergic to quail eggs, duck eggs, turkey eggs, etc.

Common (and Hidden!) Sources

• Examine and avoid foods with the following ingredients: albumin, powdered/dried egg, globulin, livetin, lysozyme, surimi, vitellin, ‘ova/ovo.’
• Eggnog, mayonnaise, egg noodles, meringue
• Commonly found in baked products, fried rice, ice cream, marzipan, marshmallows, egg substitutes, nougat, meatballs/meatloaf, lecithin
• Many baked items such as bagels, rolls, and pie crusts will have an egg wash prior to baking to make the product shiny and golden brown.
• Vegetarian meat alternatives will often use egg as a binder or emulsifier and to add protein to the final product.

REFERENCES
1. Tan JW, Joshi P. Egg allergy: An update. J Paediatr Child Health. 2014;50(1):11-15. doi:10.1111/jpc.12408.