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As miraculous and wonderful as the human body is, at the end of the day it’s incredibly fragile. Unlike cats, we only have one life to live, one chance to make it right before we end up on the judgment table between Heaven and Hell. Where we shall end up, who knows, but the fact is—having a food allergy can speed that process up significantly. 

Allergies can be annoying to begin with; however, they can also be incredibly life-threatening, with one single spoonful of forbidden fruit landing you a ticket to the emergency room. The situation is made a lot more complicated when people decide to ignore them, brushing them off as just a chosen preference. 

People have shared their own personal experiences of coming incredibly close to the rainbow bridge, or stories recalling the times when they witnessed the blatant ignoration of their very important needs, all prompted by Candace D.’s tweet, which gathered 158.3K likes on the platform. 

Bored Panda had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Bloom, the CEO and Co-Founder of SnackSafely.com, who was kind enough to answer some of our questions. 

Don’t forget to upvote the stories that shock you the most, and leave your thoughts, opinions, and similar stories in the comments below. If by the end of this article you’re still craving some food-related stories, here’s an additional article for you! You’re welcome, now let’s chomp into it! 

 

#1

People-With-Food-Allergies

MaxRadniecki Report

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Just Another Girl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are some people who maybe don’t like something and they’ll say they’re allergic, but then eat something later that contains the same “allergen”. These people need to STOP IT. They are making it difficult for those who actually have allergies to be taken seriously!!!

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Food allergies are estimated to affect 4 to 6 percent of children and 4 percent of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can even develop an allergy to foods you have eaten for years with no problems, as the immune system creates antibodies to the allergen of choice over time—new fear unlocked! I think it’s safe to say that no one would willingly choose to be allergic to any given food item. 

Dave Bloom, the CEO and Co-Founder of SnackSafely.com, a company aiming to improve the lives of those coping with food allergies, and to educate others as a means of eliminating anaphylaxis, told Bored Panda that even a trace amount of an allergen can lead to a serious, life-threatening reaction.

“We always coach our readers with food allergies and celiac disease to know PRECISELY how their food has been prepared and if they have any doubts to forgo eating,” he said. “Even a family member or friend with the best intentions can cause a serious reaction if a trace of their allergen makes its way into their food inadvertently via cross-contact.” 

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#2

People-With-Food-Allergies

Wingsfan408 Report

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Kim Kermes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you recovered quickly and brought charges and sued them for expenses and lost pay and got her sorry butt fired.

Epona
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you sent her your hospital bill, to have her pay for your time in the hospital, since she knew you were allergic and put it in the energy balls she had you try. What an a-hole!

Id row
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She should be tried for attempted murder, tbh. She knew and purposely put in something that could kill her.

Marie Dahme
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yes and soon after you found your way to HR…I’d slash her tires.

Gin Marie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How many smug little would-be murderers ARE there out there?

Karen Grace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All too often people equate "food allergy" with "attention seeking" and don't really believe it until they land someone in ER, or worse, kill them. The problem is there are people who claim allergies they don't have...sometimes to avoid a food they don't like, or sadly to try to get sympathetic attention. They have made it even harder for those of us with real allergies.

RedRose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you sued for medical bills and suffering as well as pursued criminal charges

AutisticTurtle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm allergic to chocolate too, but thankfully not dangerously so. I'm sorry that happened!

Iva Kazalova
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For f**ck’s sake why would you do that, I hate some of my coworkers but this is gambling on someone’s life!

Rabbit Of ill Portent
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What s horrible allergy to have! I'm so sorry that happened to you, sugar 🖤

S K
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As far as I’m concerned that’s assault. I’d be pressing charges, what a b**** move!

Sue Denham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She thought - what? - you'd go "Hey, these are delicious. I've decided not to be allergic to chocolate anymore,"?

Kay Drayton
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can't ask someone to change their whole recipe for ONE person's request, that said, the person should have told the father there was pepper in it so he didn't eat it.

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#3

People-With-Food-Allergies

MalletsForDays Report

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cogadh
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I blame the "gluten free" trend for this. There are so many people now who unnecessarily claim some kind of gluten allergy, that no one actually believes those with real medical reasons for avoiding it.

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Dave explains that there are 2 main reasons why people ignore their loved-one’s dietary needs, as seen in the multiple accounts mentioned in this article. “Fad diets have made people increasingly skeptical about dietary restrictions, and people are uninformed about the danger of allergic reactions; they equate reactions with a hive or a rash, but don't understand that reactions can easily escalate into full-blown anaphylaxis and lead to hospitalization or death.” 

Finally, Dave believes that the best way to prevent a tragedy is to educate people of the few basic tenets of food allergy. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) explains that symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe. Just because an initial reaction causes few problems doesn’t mean that all reactions will be similar; in fact, the reactions are likely to get worse over time. 

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A food that triggered only mild symptoms on one occasion may cause more severe symptoms at another time, the most severe being anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction that impacts breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. 

While any food can cause an adverse reaction, eight types of food account for about 90 percent of all reactions: eggs, milk and dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, and sesame. Thus, the primary way to manage a food allergy is to avoid consuming the food that causes you problems. Yet avoiding an allergen is easier said than done. 

#4

People-With-Food-Allergies

Anabana_fofana Report

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FeelingFrisky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have an onion allergy and people are always trying to get me to eat food safe for example out of a can or a frozen TV dinner. Onion is in everything. If I want to eat tacos I have to make this seasoning myself. In fact if I want to eat I pretty much have to make everything myself.

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#6

People-With-Food-Allergies

meloncauly Report

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LiuLiu
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my mil did it once to my kid and then had to listen to him groaning in the bathroom for an hour - she finally got it

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Some people believe that they know what’s best, adding in a little smidge of the forbidden goodie because the person will not even be able to taste it! Wow, isn’t that called poisoning, Barbara? Someone should send you to jail, darlin’. How about giving meat to a vegan? Meat’s good for you right? No, it could mean their death sentence, Barb! 

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These stories come in abundance, as we’re exploring but a teardrop in the vast ocean of ignorance and blatant malice. Or is there a little bit more to it? Let me introduce you to the cognitive bias called the Dunning-Kruger effect!

#7

People-With-Food-Allergies

auntiechaos Report

#8

People-With-Food-Allergies

Vet_Grandma Report

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Jo314129
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy she did that in front of you... but imagine what she does when no one can see her.!

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#9

People-With-Food-Allergies

HelentheMiniCo1 Report

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Emmydearest
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At what point it can be considered attempted murder, FFS?! If someone is aware that their friend is allergic to something and they SNEAKLY PUT THAT SOMETHING IN THEIR FOOD is basically like sneakly poisoning them with arsenic. It's the same level of crime, for me. Making someone go to the Emergency room is a big deal and it should have consequences. The medical staff should automatically alert the police, just like if they treat a person who's been shot.

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As described by Psychology Unlocked, it’s a phenomenon where people seem to be unaware of their incompetence and ignorance. They lack skills or knowledge and greatly overestimate their expertise and talent, and it seems this very much fits with the types of people a lot of these Twitter users faced in their lifetimes. 

“Knowing how competent we are and how our skills stack up to other people’s is more than a self-esteem boost,” David Dunning, American social psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, explained. 

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“It helps us figure out when we can forge ahead on our own decisions and instincts and when we need, instead, to seek out advice. But,” he added, “psychological research suggests that we’re not very good at evaluating ourselves accurately. In fact, we frequently overestimate our own abilities.”

#10

People-With-Food-Allergies

craziemamarose Report

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MarcyParlomerNerdGirlsRock
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m severely allergic to lemons buts not all citrus. But my BFF’s boyfriend’s bunch of friends decided to secretly squeeze juice into my drink and film my reaction to post on social media (with the title ‘Is there actually an allergy or is she just seeking attention and being dramatic?’) Needless to say, before my friends could warn me, I drank the thing and ended up in hospital. Geez.

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#11

People-With-Food-Allergies

Sheilabbl Report

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Ria C.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother in law has celiac disease and i am proud to say our house is the only house she hasn't gotten sick at/in. I scrub everything before, after and during. Thanksgiving is a process but I love and respect her so I will be overly cautious because I wear that badge of honor proudly.

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Researchers argue that people are not only incompetent, but their incompetence robs them of the mental ability to realize just how inept they are. These kinds of people tend to overestimate their skill levels, fail to recognize the genuine skill and expertise of other people, and fail to recognize their own mistakes and lack of skill. 

So what does this mean in this situation? In simple terms, the concept of food allergies was simply too complex or too unfamiliar to accept; hence they decided to attempt to shift the reality back to what they believed to know to be true and correct, hoping that the situation would simply just disappear and they’d have been right all along. 

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Admitting to mistakes takes effort, and no one really wants to do that. But it’s better to turn off any judgment and predispositions ringing off in one’s brain, listen to the person expressing their needs, and do the best one can do to accommodate them so that apologies don’t need to then be uttered at the coffin. 

#14

People-With-Food-Allergies

BorgQueer Report

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Just Another Girl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m a little confused on this one. If she can’t be anywhere near milk how is she going to Starbucks in the first place? I would think she would have issues with cross contamination at any coffee shop.

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#15

People-With-Food-Allergies

Owlune Report

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Bluetoyou
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me too! Very allergic! If I drink it I ulcerate clean through and bleed out. Can hardly walk and have to go to the emergency. It is like drinking drano. I have had a allergist tell me I couldn't be allergic to coffee because it isn't a protein. You are the first person I know that is allergic also. I get sick from coffee cups in restaurants. I drink hot tea. They will try to serve it in a coffee cup that has just been rinsed out and you can still smell the coffee in the cup when it's empty. Nasty! Use soap for God's sake!! That was in a National pancake restaurant.

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Thankfully, all’s well that ends well. What can we learn from this? A lot actually, but the main thing is potentially not to be a jerk to those with food sensitivities, preferences, and allergies. Because none of us are here to act as judge supreme; we’re here to have a good time and do good. 

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Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and of course, don’t forget to upvote the stories that you found to be the most interesting and shocking. I’m sure there’ll be quite a few of those… Happy scrolling, curious learning, and I hope to see you all again very soon in the next one! 

#16

People-With-Food-Allergies

SkipItForNow666 Report

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Rahul Pawa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know MSG is a common additive, but I thought it also occurs naturally in a lot of different foods. I wonder what this person can eat safely.

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#17

People-With-Food-Allergies

RachelWhelband Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where does OP live? I'm in the US and I've never been served or offered a duck egg in my life. Where is this a typical thing (I'm guessing Asia)?

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#18

People-With-Food-Allergies

Shaziane Report

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Chich
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man this annoys me. How about cooking her something and after she is finished say you put some dog s**t in it - but only a little so she wouldn't notice it.

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#19

People-With-Food-Allergies

starrfire71 Report

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Cat servant
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very common reaction for vegetarians that are fed animal products if they have been strict with their diet for a long time.

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#20

People-With-Food-Allergies

helebore1997 Report

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Marie Dahme
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate when I over emphasize that I’m diabetic and still bring me reg pancake syrup or a reg Coke. It’s like, please I really must adhere to no sugar in my diet!!! Geez.

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#21

People-With-Food-Allergies

RifuGarh Report

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Rahul Pawa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm curious to know what the rest of the story said...but not curious enough to go to Twitter.

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#23

People-With-Food-Allergies

2PupsMommy Report

#26

People-With-Food-Allergies

JustMilfnAround Report

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Rahul Pawa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad he's your ex. Thanks for the tip about Worcestershire sauce, I never would have guessed that had gluten in it.

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#28

People-With-Food-Allergies

Ashleychen1317 Report

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Jo314129
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn this one really really sounds painful because salt is in almost everything.

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#30

People-With-Food-Allergies

little__meggles Report

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Sk
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am allergic to apples. Apple juice, apple cider vinegar, can't touch them can't touch the tree. Read the ingredients on fruit flavored things you eat. If I don't read labels for pretty much ANYTHING it could be death

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#31

People-With-Food-Allergies

Adela_Terrell Report

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S Mi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm allergic to all capsicums, it's amazing how hard it is to explain. 'I'm allergic to bell peppers, but also hot peppers and anything like cayenne, chili powder. I get hives and a bit nauseous, but they don't have to worry too badly about cross contamination. One caterer left the bell peppers out of this incredibly spicy dish they made and presented it to me. Sigh, they really missed the concept.

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#32

People-With-Food-Allergies

callmesensei14 Report

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Amy Moore
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My daughter and I share about 85% of our allergies. If we find a new one, after treatment the very first phone call is to the other person so they don't eat that thing. The only one we don't share is morphine. I share that one with my son's.

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#34

People-With-Food-Allergies

PrarieCrochet Report

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Just Another Girl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s infuriating to me that people get their feelings hurt when someone can’t or won’t eat the food they made. What you put in your body is a personal issue. Everyone needs to stop being food pushers. A lady at work said it was hurtful that I don’t eat on potluck days at work. I told her I’m the one who has to deal with the effects of certain foods on my body and it’s hurtful to me that she keeps trying to (figuratively) shove food down my throat.

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#35

People-With-Food-Allergies

_hasesuns Report

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Jerry Mathers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's probably a good thing. If her diet is that restricted I'm sure she wouldn't want to risk it.

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#36

People-With-Food-Allergies

KellyRo42046860 Report

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Amanda Lawshe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t understand the last sentence, he’s anaphylactic? You mean something caused him to be anaphylactic? It’s not a permanent condition, it happens after a severe allergic reaction, right?

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#38

People-With-Food-Allergies

AuntiePoudre Report

#40

People-With-Food-Allergies

RachelH8782 Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's your tea, Mom. Only a little bit of drain cleaner in it, you'll never notice./s

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#42

People-With-Food-Allergies

ShannonD10 Report

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Headless Roach
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I eat shrimp, I get that weird tingling sensation in my throat. Always wondered whether this may be some form of mild allergy. Or is this totally normal? EDIT: The sensation is mild and it never discouraged me from eating shellfish. But yeah, if you all say that's not normal, it probably isn't.

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#43

People-With-Food-Allergies

BerlinResist Report

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Stardust she/her
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was fooled into eating meat by a bully when I was young. I felt so infuriated and betrayed and she called me a dumb vegetarian. Thankfully I wasn’t allergic to meat but it was still a s****y thing to do. Never feed a vegetarian/vegan meat as they may be allergic to it

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