When talking to most people about our move to India, the discussion always seems to turn to getting sick - specifically gastro. Oh the joys, but for us, there is a whole other issue with food - peanuts !!
Many of you will know that our eldest has a severe peanut allergy - off the scale apparently. So moving to India will come with a new set of concerns and worries, as the use of peanuts and peanut oil is very common in Indian cooking. I have probably been a bit 'complacent' over the last 12 months with Jack, as he is so good at asking about the food he eats and I am pretty much the person that controls everything he eats, so the risks are greatly reduced. As well, Australia is very 'nut conscious' and most kids parties, and most families Jack goes to know of his allergy. However, moving overseas will open up his little world to so much, which is one of the main reasons we excepted the relocation. However, a greater exposure to peanuts is now starting to freak me out.
The first couple of weeks will be a process of sourcing foods that we know are 'safe' for him to eat. It is so easy for me here in Sydney to choose the right chocolates, biscuits, crackers, cakes etc. But all the brands are going to be new and the labelling process no where near as stringent in India. I am going to be on constant 'hive watch' !!
We have been very lucky that Jack has never had an anaphylaxis but the allergy specialist has told us that it is just a matter of time. Poor Jack really just wants to be a normal little boy but he is always aware that if someone touches him who has eaten peanuts or peanut products, that he can have a reaction.
I have had silicone arm bands made that have the Peanut warning in Hindi and Kannada for him to wear but that is just the tip of the iceberg, as most staff will not be able to read. So we are in for lots of challenges ahead and I am going to have to be so much more aware of the foods we eat.
Any tips on how to keep Jack safe would be great. xxx
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