Will almond extract set off nut allergies? Probably a stupid question I know but I just don't know? I want to make the WASC for a wedding but i know a LOT of kids have nut allergies these days...?
If in doubt...
... leave it out.
If you still intend to use it C.Y.A. and make your client aware of the fact prior to the day of the wedding.
A few years back I made a cupcake cake for my stepson's b'day party that he had at school. I listed all the possible allergy alerts on the box.
use imitation on the ones that have allergies
I put a clause in my contract informing the bride that ingredients may have come in contact with nuts or other food allergens. I specify that it is her responsibility to inform the guests and that I am not liable for any adverse reactions. From my experience, most people with severe allergies are very cautious and will ask about ingredients before eating anything at a special event. Just make sure to inform the bride that almond extract is in the cake. However, be sure to cover yourself with a clause in your contract.
Almond extract is made from almonds. If you want the flavor, use imitation. I have a tree nut allergy and I use vanilla in the recipe. It's just as delicious.
However, if you do use imitation and there is the smell of almond, people will allergies won't eat the cake. They would probaby assume it wasn't safe. Smart people with food allergies don't eat anything they're not sure of. It's just not worth the risk.
I ran across this same problem when I was doing my aunt's baby shower cake. One of their close friends has nut allergies, and I was doing a 14" WASC, 10" CASC, and 6" Red Velvet tiered cake. They wanted me to change the flavors (after I had already baked... grrr) and I told them that I didn't feel confident saying that this person could eat ANYTHING out of my kitchen as "other products containing nuts are manufactured here"!!!! Nut allergies are really serious these days, and I didn't want to send anyone to the hospital. Is it EVER safe to say someone with nut (or other) allergies can eat something out of your kitchen? We couldn't find a bakery near here that would guarantee a "nut-free" cake.
I simply refuse to compromise my recipes by any substitutions or catering to any allergy of any sort.
I flat out tell any potential customer that I won't accommodate any special allergy or dietary need.
so if you need it wheat, egg, milk, gluten, soy, nut (any sort), etc. free, then you need to go elsewhere.
my contract as an "allergen clause" where I warn that there are absolutely NO guarantees that the product will be allergen free, lists a whole bunch of the most common ones with the phrasing "including but not limited to......" and the says it is buyers responsibility to inform guests that product is NOT allergen free.
----
and lest that seem harsh --
a) covering my tookie as I love to eat nuts and have them around almost all the time.
b) cake IS flour (gluten), egg, milk
c) walk the aisles of any store and see just how little allergies are catered to.
My son has a life threatening allergy to both peanuts and tree nuts(almonds, walnuts etc..). Yes a person with a 'nut' allergy would have a problem with almond extract. I know it sounds crazy but i wont even buy the imitation extracts because i don't want to risk it. Sometimes the extracts are manufactured on the same line as extracts with nuts. Better to be safe than sorry. But like others said, if a person has a nut allergy then they are usually very aware they must ask about ingrediants first. I would just put in some vanilla extract and forgo the almond all together. Like you said sooo many people have nut allergies these days. HTH. suz
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