Living with an Egg Allergy
Egg allergy is estimated to affect approximately 1.5% of young children, but it is also a food allergy that is one of the most likely to be outgrown over time.
Most allergic reactions associated with egg involve the skin, but anaphylaxis also can occur. Allergic reactions to egg are mostly IgE-mediated (involving IgE antibodies).
Baking
For each egg, substitute one of the following in the recipe. These substitutes work well when baking from scratch and substituting 1 to 3 eggs.
· 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon liquid, 1 tablespoon vinegar
· 1 teaspoon yeast dissolved in ¼ cup warm water
· 1 ½ tablespoons water, 1 ½ tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 packet gelatin, 2 tablespoons warm water. Do not mix until ready to use.
Some Hidden Sources of Egg
- Eggs have been used to create the foam or milk topping on specialty coffee drinks and are used in some bar drinks
- Some commercial brands of egg substitutes contain egg whites
- Most commercially processed cooked pastas (including those used in prepared foods such as soup) contain egg or are processed on equipment shared with egg-containing pastas. Boxed, dry pastas are usually egg-free, but may be processed on equipment that is also used for egg-containing products. Fresh pasta is sometimes egg-free, too. Read the label or ask about ingredients before eating pasta.
- Egg wash is sometimes used on pretzels before they are dipped in salt.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can the MMR vaccine be given to an individual with an egg allergy?
The recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics acknowledge that the MMR vaccine can be safely administered to all patients with egg allergy. The recommendations have been based, in part, on scientific evidence supporting the routine use of one-dose administration of the MMR vaccine to egg-allergic patients.
I’ve heard the flu vaccine contains egg, is that true?
Yes, influenza vaccines usually contain a small amount of egg protein.
Is a flu shot safe for an individual with an egg allergy?
Influenza vaccines are grown on egg embryos and may contain a small amount of egg protein. If you or your child is allergic to eggs, speak to your doctor before receiving a flu shot.
How to Read a Label for an Egg-Free Diet
All FDA regulated manufactured food products that contain egg as an ingredient are required by U.S. law to list the word “egg” on the product label.
Avoid foods that contain eggs or any of these ingredients:
Albumin (also spelled albumen)
Egg (dried, powdered, solids, white, yolk)
Eggnog
Lysozyme
Mayonnaise
Meringue (meringue powder)
Ovalbumin
Surmini
Eggs are sometimes found in the following:
Baked goods
Egg Substitutes
Lecithin
Macaroni
Marzipan
Marshmallows
Nougat
Pasta
Keep the following in mind:
Individuals with egg allergy should also avoid eggs from duck, turkey, goose, quail, etc., as these are known to be cross-reactive with chicken egg.
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