Thanksgiving is the most food-focused holiday of the year. It’s also a meal shared with family, friends, and loved ones. While Thanksgiving dinner is often anticipated with joy, allergy sufferers may eye the holiday with dread. If you suffer from allergies, don’t worry! You can stay safe at the holiday table with expert tips from the best allergist in Las Vegas.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Cooks often use the same dishes and utensils to prepare various foods. That tactic, however, can be a problem for allergy sufferers. If you’re preparing food for others, use thoroughly cleaned or even separate kitchen tools to prepare and serve dishes that are free of allergens. If you suffer from allergies, consider bringing your own “safe” utensils or dishes from home.

Keep Foods Separate

As you’re preparing foods, be sure to keep them covered and avoid putting different dishes close to one another to prevent spilling and splattering. When preparing and serving, make sure all dishes have their own serving utensils. Some households may even choose to serve foods free of allergies on a separate counter or table to be safe. After the meal, make sure to store all foods in their own separate containers safely.

Label Foods

To keep allergy sufferers safe, it’s a good idea to label foods. That way, you will know what dishes they are and what ingredients, particularly allergens, are in them. If you want to get creative, you can print your own holiday-themed labels or give your dishes an elegant look by purchasing decorative labels from the store.

Scrub Surfaces

Before and after meal preparation, it’s a good idea to scrub all surfaces that food has come into contact with. The surfaces should also be sanitized as an additional precautionary measure. If you are involved in meal preparation, wash your hands if you have prepared any dishes containing an allergen.

Plan a Menu

Planning an allergy-safe Thanksgiving menu in advance will make allergy sufferers feel more at ease around the table. It will alleviate some of the stress associated with holiday meal planning. Most Thanksgiving main course dishes are actually free of allergens, such as turkey and sweet potatoes. If you’re cooking turkey, eliminate the stuffing if you or guests have a wheat or gluten allergy. Alternatively, you can cook a gluten-free turkey separately. Mashed potatoes can be cooked with a milk alternative for a dairy-free dish, and you can eliminate nuts from salads and side dishes.

To make your Thanksgiving relaxed and enjoyable, the best allergist in Las Vegas is here to help. Contact Dr. Tottori today to schedule a pre-holiday appointment for your allergy and asthma concerns. Contact us by phone at (702) 240-4233 or visit us online for an appointment.