We've all heard of bomb-sniffing dogs, but now there is a program based in Texas that trains dogs to detect peanut and treenut residue.  The dogs are vested service dogs that can go anywhere with the child (including restaurants) to detect nut residue on other people, food, or objects.  Apparently they have already placed some dogs with families of children with nut allergies.  

Find out more here:  www.peanutdogs.com

 
 

A tip from the "AllergyMoms" newsletter let me know about a completely nut-free ice cream chain, Rita's Ice.  According to their website, all of their products (including toppings) are free of peanut and tree nuts, and even the pistachio ice cream is artificially flavored. 

Unfortunately, there are no Michigan stores, but perhaps your summer travels will bring you near one.

 
 

Local independent film-maker Kevin Lindenmuth is in the final editing stages for his latest documentary, titled "I'm Not Nuts:  Living with Food Allergies." 

If you wish to join a group fundraising contribution with "FACT," please contact FACT @ comcast.net to get the mailing address.

The film includes interviews with local and national support groups, FA families, and allergists Dr. Ben Song and Dr. Harvey Leo.  The film is expected to run on PBS, and be available on DVD.

 
 

A FACT member has found out that Sara Lee now labels for sesame, including cross-contamination.  (Pepperidge Farms also labels for cross-contamination of sesame.) 

Apparently Sara Lee makes a plain bagel that is sesame free.  As always, please read the label each time, and contact the manufacturer with any questions.

 
 

FACT and the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) will present a Community Educational Forum on Food Allergies on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Forsythe Middle School in Ann Arbor (1655 Newport Rd., 48103) from 6:30 - 8:30pm. 

There will be presentations from local allergists, school nurses, a Q&A panel with doctors and parents, as well as educational displays, samples of allergen-free foods, and epipen training.

For more information contact Regan Dahle (FACT Coordinator) at 313-570-6204 or Marcia White (AAPS school nurse) at pager 734-817-3691.

 
 

Although Trace Adkins, a country music star, didn't claim the title "Celebrity Apprentice," he is still using his status to support FAAN.  (His young daughter has several food allergies.)  Trace's latest #1 single, "You're Gonna Miss This" is available for download from iTunes for 99 cents, with all proceeds until April 10th to benefit FAAN.  Click here to follow the FAAN link and then download the song from iTunes. 

 
 

A FAAN Walk for Food Allergies will be held in the Detroit area for the third year:

Saturday, September 20, 2008 @ Kensington MetroPark in Milford, MI.

Volunteers are needed!  Please contact Melissa Dalton or Melinda Miller at mifaanwalk@yahoo.com.

 

 
 

One of the winning ideas from Martha Stewart's "Next Big Idea" poll is the publication of a food allergy magazine.  This idea, voted on by viewers, easily garnered the most votes.  The magazine will supposedly carry recipes and lifestyle information for those with food allergies.

 
 

FAAN has announced their schedule for the 15th Annual Food Allergy Conferences, to be held in Baltimore, MD (March 29), Rosemont, IL(May 10), and Tarrytown, NY (May 31).  Click here for more info.

 
 

Country singer Trace Adkins will compete in a charity edition of the TV show "Celebrity Apprentice," beginning on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2008 on NBC.  Trace has a daughter with severe food allergies, and hopes to raise money for FAAN, and get a $250,000 bonus for winning.  He is also raising money for FAAN thru sales of a plush bear (boy or girl edition) available here.