What is an egg allergy?
An egg allergy occurs when the body reacts to one or more of the proteins in eggs.
Most allergic reactions occur in response to ovalbumin and ovomucoid, the proteins in egg whites. Sometimes, the proteins in egg yolks can also cause an allergic reaction.
Eggs are one of the most common foods that cause an allergic reaction. For those with an egg allergy, any food made with eggs can be dangerous. People with an egg allergy can still enjoy a wide range of foods every day, but they must learn how to eat safely.
How serious is an egg allergy?
Egg allergy reactions are different for each child, but they usually happen soon after exposure to egg. In rare cases, an egg allergy can cause anaphylaxis , a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.
Other names for eggs
Eggs or egg products can have many names in ingredient lists. Learning these names can help you catch any hidden sources of egg in food.
When buying packaged foods, always check the list of ingredients in the store and again when you bring the product home. It is also a good idea to check the ingredients every time you buy the food in case the recipe has changed. You can also call the manufacturer to ask about any recipe changes.
The following information lists some names for eggs. Use it when you are grocery shopping or calling food manufacturers.
| Albumin or albumen | Conalbumin | Globulin |
| Livetin | Lysozyme | Ovalbumin |
| Ovoglobulin | Ovolactohydrolyze proteins | Ovomacroglobulin |
| Ovomucin or ovomucoid | Ovotransferrin | Ovovitellin |
| Silico-albuminate | Vitellin |
Possible sources of egg
Eggs are used in a range of packaged foods and in some drinks. Below is a list of some of the many food products that contain eggs.
| Baby food | Baked goods, baking mixes, candy, chocolate or nougat |
| Battered or fried foods | Creamy dressings, salad dressings or spreads such as mayonnaise |
| Desserts such as custard, dessert mixes, ice cream or pudding | Drinks such as eggnog, foam or milk topping on coffee |
| Egg substitutes, such as Egg Beaters | Fat substitutes, such as Simplesse |
| Icing, glazes (such as egg wash on baked goods) | Lecithin |
| Meat mixtures such as hamburger, hot dogs, meatballs, meatloaf or salami | Pancakes, waffles or French toast |
| Pasta, such as egg noodles | Quiche or souffle |
| Sauces such as béarnaise, hollandaise or newburg | Soups |
What do I do if my child has an egg allergy?
Your child should see an allergist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies) who can discuss the egg allergy with you in more detail. Children who have an egg allergy should avoid all products that may contain egg. Some children who have an egg allergy are able to safely eat baked goods containing egg. If your child has an egg allergy, you should consult with an allergist before giving your child baked goods containing egg.
Some vaccines have small quantities of egg protein, including the seasonal flu vaccine; the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine; and the yellow fever vaccine. Children with an egg allergy do not have an increased risk of allergic reaction to the flu or MMR vaccine and can receive these vaccines. If your child has previously had a reaction to the flu or MMR vaccine, you should consult with an allergist to evaluate the risk of getting these vaccines again. If your child has an egg allergy and needs the yellow fever vaccine, you should consult with an allergist.
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe a medication called an epinephrine autoinjector, which can be used to treat allergic reactions, in case your child accidentally eats a food containing egg.
Reducing the risk of cross-contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when one substance unintentionally comes in contact with another substance, for example a potential allergen. If the substances mix together, one substance taints the other substance, making it unsafe to eat.
Food allergens can contaminate other foods when, for example, the same containers, utensils or frying pans hold a range of foods.
Bulk food containers pose a high risk of cross-contamination because they are often used for different products.
Be sure to avoid using utensils or containers that may have come in contact with allergy-causing foods and ask about possible cross-contamination when eating out.
How can my child get the right mix of nutrients if they must avoid eggs?
The main nutrients in eggs include protein, folate, vitamin B12, zinc and iron. Your child can still get these nutrients even if they must avoid eggs and products that contain them.
Nutrients in eggs that are found in other foods
| Nutrient | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Protein | Meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk, soy |
| Folate | Leafy green vegetables, beans (navy, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), lentils |
| Vitamin B12 | Meat, fish, poultry, shellfish, milk, cheese, fortified cereal, soy milk |
| Zinc | Meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, vegetables |
| Iron | Meat, shrimp, poultry, beans (navy, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), whole wheat products, leafy green vegetables |
Baking without eggs
It is possible to make your favourite recipes with commercial or homemade egg substitutes. These substitutes tend to work best in recipes that use about one or two eggs. Feel free to adjust the following substitutions.
| Substitute | Type of product | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Apricots and water | ||
| Soak 227 g apricots in 500 mL (2 cups) water overnight. Beat in blender. Store in refrigerator. 15 mL = 1 egg | Sweet breads, rolls | Adds flavour to product. |
| Baking powder and sour cream | ||
| 2 mL baking powder and 125 mL sour cream = 1 egg | Cookies, spice cakes, chocolate cakes | Not appropriate in other products. |
| Baking soda and vinegar | ||
| 5 mL baking soda + 5 mL vinegar = 1 egg | Cookies, white cakes, loaves | Limit use to recipes calling for one egg. |
| Cornstarch | ||
| 15 mL = 1 egg | Custard | Acts as a thickener. |
| Ground flax seeds and water | ||
| Mix 1/3 cup ground flax seed in 1 cup water. Bring mixture to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes. Refrigerate. 15 mL of the mixture = 1 egg | White cakes (where milk is the liquid used), pancakes, muffins, cookies | Clear and tasteless. Products are moist and have good texture. If recipe needs two or three eggs, this replacement will make product too moist. Not for use with angel food cakes. |
| Flour, baking powder, and shortening | ||
| 50 mL flour + 5 mL baking powder + 15 mL shortening = 1 egg | Baked goods | Not appropriate in shortcakes. |
| Mashed banana | ||
| Half an average size = 1 egg | Cakes, muffins, quick breads | Adds flavour to product. Product may be gummy. |
| Vinegar | ||
| 15 mL = 1 egg | Baked goods | Products will stale quickly, use within four days. Freeze until used. |
When to see a dietitian for an egg allergy
If you have removed many foods from your child's diet because of an egg allergy, it may be a good idea to speak to a registered dietitian. The dietitian can review the foods your child still eats to decide if they are getting enough nutrients. If necessary, they can also recommend alternative foods that your child can eat safely.
Will my child always have an egg allergy?
Many children with an egg allergy outgrow it by school age, but this does not always happen.
An allergist can help you find out when to test your child. Consult them regularly to check if there have been any changes to your child's food allergy.
Top 8: What are the most common allergies in kids?
For more videos from SickKids experts in collaboration with Youngster, visit Youngster on YouTube.
When to go the emergency room
If your child is having a severe allergic reaction to egg, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. If your child’s doctor prescribed them an epinephrine autoinjector, administer this medication to your child right away. See Anaphylaxis: How to recognize and respond to a severe allergic reaction for more information.
At SickKids
Kingsmill Egg Replacer is a commercial product that you can use for baking and cooking. Each 350 g box replaces 100 eggs. You can buy this product at the Specialty Food Shop on the main floor of the hospital.
For more information on living with food allergies, visit the Specialty Food Shop:
www.specialtyfoodshop.ca
Further information
Here is a list of reliable resources that can help you become aware of potential risks and how to deal with them.
- FARE. Egg Allergy
- Health Canada. Eggs – A priority food allergen
- Health Canada. Food allergies and intolerances