An item that is peanut-free means it is produced without peanut ingredients or peanut-based products in order to help avoid symptoms associated with peanut allergies. The best way to make sure a food item is peanut-free is to look at the label for a peanut-free or allergen-free certification symbol. Only these symbols will help determine whether or not the item contains peanuts or has been produced in a facility where peanuts are processed. Most natural foods like vegetables, fruits and animal products are often free from peanuts, yet if these items are processed in any way it should be noted that they could be processed in a facility that also processes peanuts or peanut derivatives.
Having a peanut allergy often requires an individual to check every food item carefully to make sure there are no peanut ingredients or trace ingredients. The best way to determine if a food is peanut-free is by looking at the ingredient label of the food and making sure it is free from the words peanut or peanut oil. In some individuals, peanut oil does not promote the same allergic responses as pure peanuts, but it is still ideal for a product to remain free from any peanut product. Even if the ingredient list is free from peanuts, it still doesn't mean it is free from peanut contamination.
Some food products are produced in facilities that produce peanuts and other tree nuts, as well as wheat and dairy. This can make it difficult for individuals on a peanut-free diet to find foods that will not promote allergic responses. Allergy certification companies may post a certification label on certain foods as peanut-free. A peanut-free label means that the product is not only free from peanuts, but has also been produced in a facility that does not process peanuts or peanut products.
Most whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, as well as animal products like dairy and meat are naturally free from peanuts and other common allergens such as gluten. It should be noted that if any of these products come in a package containing other ingredients, then the food could have been produced in a peanut-containing facility. The best way to avoid this is to purchase all whole foods like vegetables, grains and animal products in their whole form. When these foods are minimally processed and not sold in packaging, it is generally a good indication that they are not processed in peanut-containing facilities.
