Two customer service reps at McCormick have confimed that none of their products contain nuts.  This includes their "pure almond extract" which lists "oil of bitter almond" as an ingredient.  They explained that this is actually derived from apricot or peach pits, and while it has a strong almond flavor, its source is a fruit rather than a nut.

 

Vanicream, a skin lotion and sunscreen product that is free of chemical additives, is apparently available at Costco.

 

Do you know a teacher, school nurse, or other school staff member whose daily efforts make your child's school day safer?  Let them know your appreciation in a note (from you or your child) or see if there is a way to officially recognize them in their job.  The Ann Arbor Public School system accepts online nominations for their "Celebration of Excellence Awards."

 

Especially around the holidays, it seems that grocery stores set up large open bins of nuts in the produce aisles.  Luckily, several area stores have responded to customer feedback to at least cover the bins with plexiglass lids.  Busch's and Hiller's are just two examples.  It is important to let the stores know this is a potential risk to some people, and to thank them when they respond postively.

 

A FACT member forwarded this yummy information:

The Carvel Ice Cream store at the intersection of Maple and Orchard Lake now displays a banner announcing egg, dairy and nut free varieties.  

Address: 6695 Orchard lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI48322.  (The nut free Bake Station is just a few stores away.)

Owners Lori and Jennifer Gilman are knowledgeable about allergens and cross-contamination.  My son enjoys the nut free soft serve and topping choices.  All toppings are gotten from the back storage area to prevent accidental cross-contamination.  Ice cream cakes can also be ordered nut free.

You can ask Jennifer and Lori about accommodations for your specific food allergy.  I try to take our school car pool to Carvel each Wednesday for ‘2 for the price of 1’ sundaes.  

If you live elsewhere, check your local Carvel for their allergy procedures.

First Post!

11/7/2007

 

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