Beware of the Deli Case

Are you like most American families where sandwiches are a staple in your house? Since I am all about simple and cheap, our refrigerator is always stocked with all the fixings for a great sandwich. Up until recently I always bought my lunch meat at the deli counter.

I shop at Super Wal-Mart most of the time, so that has always been my deli of choice. Then, I noticed a sign warning those with certain allergens that they cannot guarantee the safety of their deli products. Of course, the dreaded "P-E-A-N-U-T" was listed. Huh?

I wondered if they were just listing it for liability reasons. But then I noticed their bakery is actually a part of the deli (no walls separating the two). The chances of a peanut flying several feet across to the deli might be slim but it made me wonder.

Then I read how some deli meats actually contain nuts. Our family usually sticks to ham and turkey so I don't know what meat that might be. Still, if there is only one slicer so the risk for cross contamination would be huge.

On Sunday morning I talked with a fellow church member. She brought up Tyler's peanut allergy so you know I had plenty to say. I was amazed to hear her say, "Robyn, don't ever get him food from a deli." I laughed and told her I had been planning to write on that this week!

She used to work in food safety and said I would be amazed at all the possibilities for cross contamination in a deli. Not only are there nuts, there is no training on food allergies. She also brought up the fact that they don't change their gloves frequently. That made me think just how easily one of the bakery peanuts could indeed get into deli meat.

I don't want to scare my readers into never visiting a deli. Taking a look at the vicinity of the bakery to the deli is not a bad idea, though. If they are not near each other, ask the deli manager about nuts in the meats. If they do not carry these types of meats, a deli might be acceptable.

I would love to hear the thoughts of others on this issue.