Can using egg substitutes or replacements be safe for individuals with an egg allergy?

Substitutes and Replacements

Individuals should not assume either is safe unless they carefully read the label.

• Egg substitutes may contain eggs.
• Egg replacement products may be egg-free.
• Look for alternatives labeled vegan or egg-free to ensure there are none.

Substitutes May Contain Eggs

Liquid egg substitutes in grocery store dairy aisles are made from eggs.  The following all contain eggs and are not safe for individuals with egg allergies:

• Generic liquid egg substitutes in cartons
• Egg Beaters
• Powdered egg white products

Replacements Are Safe Alternatives

• Special replacement products that do not contain eggs are available.
• They are labeled vegan egg substitutes.
• They are usually sold in powdered form.
• They are useful for baking.
• They cannot be used as a replacement for eggs in foods like a quiche.

Egg-Free Commercial Replacements

• PaneRiso Egg Replacement
• Ener-G Egg Replacement
• Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacement

Always check the ingredients on the label before purchasing a product sold as a substitute or replacement to ensure it is completely free.

• These products may also contain soy, dairy, or other food allergens.
• Vegan – contains no animal products, which includes eggs and dairy.
• Vegetarian – may contain eggs as they are not meat but an animal product.

Unaware of Foods With Eggs

Stay aware of eggs hidden in other food products, such as cakes, breads, pastries, noodles, crackers, and cereals.

• The federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all packaged food products that contain eggs as an ingredient must list the word egg on the label. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2022)

Other ingredients that indicate eggs are in the product include:

• Albumin
• Globulin
• Lysozyme
• Lecithin
• Livetin
• Vitellin
• Ingredients starting with – ova or ovo.

Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms may consist of: (John W. Tan, Preeti Joshi 2014)

• Skin reactions – hives, rash, or eczema.
• Allergic conjunctivitis  – itchy, red, watery eyes.
• Angioedema – swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
• Airway symptoms – wheezing, coughing, or a runny nose.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms – nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting.
• Severe reactions – such as anaphylaxis, can cause multiple organ system failure.
• Anaphylaxis is an emergency and requires immediate medical treatment.

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A Guide For Food Allergies, Hypersensitivity and Intolerances

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References

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022). Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). Retrieved from www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004-falcpa

Tan, J. W., & Joshi, P. (2014). Egg allergy: an update. Journal of paediatrics and child health, 50(1), 11–15. doi.org/10.1111/jpc.12408