(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Local experts are sharing guidance on celebrating the holiday season safely amid food allergies.
For many with food allergies, navigating the holidays can be difficult both in terms of physical safety and social situations.
"A lot of kids fear judgment or teasing or even bullying from others, and then adults might worry about being burdensome to others or being perceived as difficult or mistrusting," said Melissa Engel at Northwestern Medicine.
She said food allergies affect nearly one in 10 people in the U.S., but there's often still stigma surrounding them.
That's why she encourages hosts this holiday season to check with their guests for food allergies ahead of time and do their best to accommodate.
"I think that when people acknowledge the allergy and that they care, they're just showing that they want you to have just as good of a time as anyone else, make sure that you leave this year's events and this holiday season, having a great experience, and feeling like you're cared for."
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