Chick-fil-A and Peanut Allergy
- Dr. Sherry Barnett
- Sep 27, 2018
- 1 min read
Updated: Oct 28, 2021
Peanut allergy in the US affects up to 8% of children and that number continues to increase. One of the biggest burdens for a family of a child with a food allergy is eating outside of the home. Some families avoid eating out altogether due to fear of their child having a reaction. Many patients with peanut allergy don’t end up in my office until late childhood and their parents never knew that it was safe for their child to eat at Chick-fil-A. Once they find out, their question is always, “WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL ME THAT?”
So, I’m here to inform you that the peanut oil used at Chick-fil-A is 100% refined which removes the peanut protein. The allergen is in the peanut protein, not the oil. That means that people with peanut allergies can safely eat at Chick-fil-A without worrying about reactions. Nothing on their menu contains peanut protein. Something else to be aware of is that not all restaurants use 100% refined peanut oil, so it is important not to assume that another establishment uses the same kind of peanut oil. I hope this information frees up some families to go enjoy yummy Chick-fil-A.
There are some people who can safely eat at Chick Fil A (I personally cannot), from what I can tell and have learned it all depends on which protein in peanuts your allergic to. I’m allergic to the Ara h 1 protein (also found in peas and soybeans). If you have any cross reactivities to others nuts or legumes you can sometimes figure out what protein you’re allergic to with a google search. Long story short: if you have a peanut allergy, be careful at Chick Fil A, you might be able to eat there or it could send you to the hospital.
And I'm here to tell you that some people have a severe enough reaction to peanuts that highly refined doesn't matter! And it only takes one mistake to either cross contaminate or mix up that oil and Chic-fil-A has no control over that if it happens in the manufacturing process. This article/statement is dangerous and shows incredibly bad judgment from a so-called doctor!
Iget blood blisters on the roof of my mouth from eating at both chick fila and Five guys frys. I can not eat peanuts. I assumed thie oil was the cause. I have heard others with peanut allergies say they reacted at chick fila. Is refined peanut oil tested regularly to be sure it no longer has traces of peanut protein?
I have a reaction just being around food fried in peanut oil.
false my niece has a peanut allergy and ate there and is currently in the hospital because it’s suppose to be safe to eat because of the refined peat nut oil