• Allergies

Tree Nut Allergy: How to Prevent Cross-Contamination in Your Kitchen

Published: February 19, 2025
Updated: February 19, 2025
4 mins

Most allergies first take shape during childhood. Unlike other allergies that may subside with age, tree nut allergies rarely go away. If you or a loved one has a tree nut allergy, it’s important to take the proper precautions to reduce the risk. 

Health experts recommend taking extra steps to keep your kitchen organized and near to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. There are several practices you can incorporate into your daily habits in the kitchen to prevent an allergic reaction if you or a loved one has a severe allergy to tree nuts.

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What are Common Tree Nut Allergens?

Those with a tree nut allergy experience side effects when the immune system responds to tree nut proteins. Certain proteins in tree nuts prompt the immune system to overreact. Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that manufacturers list potential allergens on the label of packaged foods.

Manufacturers are required to warn consumers about the following tree nut allergens when present in foods:

• Hazelnut

• Cashews

• Almonds

• Pistachios

• Cashews

• Macadamia nuts

• Chestnuts

• Walnuts

• Shea nuts

• Pecans

Packaged Foods with Tree Nut Allergens to Avoid

A lot of packaged foods contain potential allergens. People can find a full list of allergens in a product on the nutrition labels of foods. Typically, they are located directly under the main ingredient list.

Popular packaged foods with tree nut allergens include:

• Candy

• Barbecue sauce

• Chocolate

• Pesto

• Lychee

• Nut paste

• Energy bars

• Cereals

• Marinades 

• Frozen dessert

Some people may be allergic to one tree nut allergen, but not all of them. However, many people avoid tree nuts altogether because of the high risk of cross-contamination. The FDA still requires that manufacturers specify on nutrition labels which tree nut allergen is present in foods.

Unexpected Sources of Tree Nut Allergy

Small traces of tree nuts may show up as an ingredient in foods you don’t expect. While eating out, people with a tree nut allergy should let the restaurant staff know about their allergy. This can reduce the risk of cross-contamination while cooking.

A few foods with tree nuts that most people may not recognize include:

• Ice cream

• Frozen desserts

• Alcoholic beverages

• Artificial nuts

• Natural flavorings

Tips for Cleaning a Kitchen When You Have a Tree Nut Allergy

Cross-contamination is when an allergen gets into foods from close contact. Allergens can live on improperly cleaned or sanitized kitchen surfaces for months. While the chance of experiencing symptoms from this type of exposure is rare, there is a small possibility depending on the severity of the allergy.

To help prevent cross-contamination, consider the following tips:

Label the foods in your pantry

Clearly label foods in the fridge, freezer, and pantry that have tree nut allergens. Some people may label foods with allergens by placing special stickers on the front. This can help prevent the person with an allergy from accidentally consuming foods with an allergen.

Keep the kitchen organized

Some people may choose to keep foods with an allergen on specific shelves in the kitchen. This can help maintain a system of organization to prevent allergic reactions. For example, some people may place foods with allergens on a higher shelf than foods without them.

Always thoroughly clean your hands before preparing a meal

It’s useful to always wash your hands before preparing food to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the threat of harmful germs. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination from the hands.

Keep counter surfaces consistently clean

A good practice to keep people with tree nut allergies safe is to clean surfaces before and after preparing foods. While you may not be able to visibly see them, countertops may have small traces of allergens on them.

Wash dishes and utensils thoroughly

Health experts recommend being mindful of using the same utensils for multiple foods. This can potentially increase the risk of cross-contamination.

Be sure to thoroughly rinse off dishes before placing them in a dishwasher. When handwashing dishes, soak them in hot water to ensure you kill harmful germs.

Where Can I Learn More About Food Allergies?

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about what to do if you have a tree nut allergy or care for someone with one. They can give you tips on foods to avoid and how to stay safe.

Book an appointment today to learn more about managing a tree nut allergy.

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