Corn Allergy for Newbies

             The most important thing you need to know is that corn/corn-derived ingredients are ubiquitous, and corn is exempt from FDA labeling requirements.  A person can be ingestion-reactive, contact-reactive, and inhalation-reactive to corn, so extreme caution must be exercised in navigating this devastating allergy.

            The rule of thumb is that if you don't make it from scratch, don't eat it (I haven't eaten at a restaurant since my diagnosis in 2011). We can eat very few processed foods or commercially-processed meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, and produce due to government-authorized corn-derived antimicrobial chemical washes.

            All fresh foods must be organic, and then you need to soak them for 10-15 minutes in a bath of cold filtered water (tap water may contain corn due to corn-derived purification chemicals), Bragg's apple cider vinegar (in the U.S. white vinegar is derived from corn), and baking soda to remove any corn due to cross-contact which can occur through the many stages of shipping, processing, handling, and packaging.  I even put my organic chicken through this process because the absorbent pads under the chicken are "corny." 

CRITICAL UPDATE, JUNE 1, 2020

FDA AND USDA CONFIRM THAT CORN-DERIVED ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMICALS APPLIED TO FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS ARE EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2020/06/fda-and-usda-confirm-that-corn-derived.html

            Since most commercially-manufactured fruit juices contain corn-derived ingredients; e.g., corn-derived citric acid, corn-derived ascorbic acid, etc., stick to organic one-ingredient juice (nothing from concentrate).  Avoid all foods with “natural flavors” or “enriched,” since this usually indicates the presence of corn-derived ingredients.  In addition, avoid iodized salt; since it contains dextrose (corn sugar).  Refer to the “Corn Products and Derivatives List” (see references), which is a great resource in identifying corn products and corn-derived ingredients to be avoided; however, it is not all-inclusive. Refer to the "Corn: It's Everything” article by Iowa Corn (see references) to identify other products containing corn.

            If you are a nursing mother of a corn-allergic infant, you may need to adhere to a corn-free diet; and since there are currently no corn-free commercially-manufactured infant formulas, it has been recommended in our corn allergy support groups that an alternative source of nourishment is either goat’s and/or camel’s milk.

            You may have to have your medications, vitamins, and supplements compounded to exclude corn, since corn-derived ingredients are often used as a common filler. In addition, you may have to install a water purification system; since tap water may also be contaminated with corn due to corn-derived purification chemicals.

Reprinted with permission by M.R., Wausau, WI:

            “My corn allergic son (F.R.) cannot tolerate ingesting any bottled water or tap water. We had to purchase a ProPur Nomad with G2 filters. All food preparation and cooking or any oral contact (oral hygiene) has to be used with this safe water. I am breastfeeding him and I cannot ingest any other source of water either. We also use a ProPur shower head filter for showering/bath due to his open skin/sores with eczema (reaction to corn).    Anytime we travel, we have to take both filters with us.”

Hospitalization with an allergy to corn:

            If you are hospitalized, you will have to provide your own previously-prepared corn-free foods, fluids, and medications; since hospitals are not equipped to treat or nourish corn-allergic patients.  The ONLY guaranteed corn-free product on hospital premises is straight saline-only IV fluid.

            You should print out the following documents and keep them with you at all times in the event of hospitalization.  After reading numerous testimonies documenting that many physicians insisted upon administering dextrose IV fluids to corn-allergic patients in direct violation of the contraindication warning on the package insert, it took me three years to forward this critical information to our nation’s hospitals, and colleges of medicine and pharmacy.

LACTATED RINGER’S IN 5% DEXTROSE CONTRAINDICATED FOR CORN-ALLERGIC PATIENTS

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2019/12/lactated-ringers-in-5-dextrose.html

BCPharmacists, "Warning: corn-related allergens . . ."

http://library.bcpharmacists.org/6_Resources/6-7_ReadLinks/ReadLinks-MayJun2007.pdf

"Probable anaphylactic reaction to corn-derived dextrose solution."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1808842

DEXTROSE (CORN SUGAR), CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATION 21CFR184.1857

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1857

Corn products/derivatives to avoid if you are allergic to corn [these lists are not all-inclusive, so extreme caution is advised]

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/07/corn-allergen-lists.html

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

Email:  cornallergyinitiative@gmail.com

Twitter:  @CornAllergy911

Additional References/Resources:

There are many online corn allergy support groups, and I would personally recommend the Corn Allergy Friendly Group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1512312712358030

"Corn: It's Everything," Iowa Corn

https://www.iowacorn.org/education/corn-its-everything/

FDA CONFIRMS THAT CORN IS EXEMPT FROM FDA LABELING REQUIREMENTS

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2020/06/fda-confirms-that-corn-is-exempt-from.html

FDA CONFIRMS CORNSTARCH USED IN PACKAGING MATERIALS IS EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2020/05/fda-confirms-cornstarch-used-in.html

Vinegar

"Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid and trace chemicals that may include flavorings. .... Apple cider vinegar is made from cider or apple must, and has a ... or sukang basi), although it also is produced in France and the United States. .... regions, because of its low cost, is barley malt, or in the United States, corn."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar

Corn Allergy: A Potentially Life-Threatening Diagnosis

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2020/01/corn-allergy-potentially-life.html

SURVEY OF ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH AN ALLERGY TO CORN

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2019/12/survey-of-adults-diagnosed-with-allergy.html

CORN ALLERGY SURVEY FOR PARENTS OF CORN-ALLERGIC CHILDREN
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2019/11/draft-corn-allergy-survey-daily.html

United States Hospitals/Health Systems Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/07/united-states-hospitalshealth-systems.html

Colleges of Medicine Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/colleges-of-medicine-contacted-re.html

Colleges of Pharmacy Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/05/colleges-of-pharmacy-contacted-re.html

Corn Allergy References, Studies, Statistics, & Petitions

(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission, Congress, FDA, & U.S. Dept. of Health requesting emergency mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & drugs.)

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/corn-allergy-reference-links.html

            

Oral Challenge of Beech-Nut® Naturals Baby Food

WARNING:

I strongly recommend that you do not attempt any oral food challenges unless you are in the presence of your physician.  Although I have not yet experienced an anaphylactic reaction to corn, I do have epinephrine auto-injector pens available (prescribed for my allergy to most antibiotics and petroleum/petrolatum).

I just trialed two new products today, August 26, 2019, and survived without any reaction.  My main concern was whether or not waxed-coated apples were used in the processing due to my anaphylactic allergy to petroleum (most of these wax coatings are not only corn-based, but also petroleum-based).  I called the company before trialing, and they assured me these should be safe for me.

At 12:15 pm, I trialed Beech-Nut Naturals Just Pears (Non-GMO Project Verified, 4 oz., UPC 052200171042).  If they contained corn, I would have reacted within 20 minutes.  If they contained petroleum, I would have reacted within 30 minutes (acute asthma which lasts for three days).  This product is "safe for me."

https://www.beechnut.com/product/naturals-just-pears-jar/

At 1:35 pm, I trialed Beech-Nut Naturals Just Sweet Potatoes (Non-GMO Project Verified, 4 oz., UPC 052200171028).  Again, no reaction; therefore, this product is "safe for me."

https://www.beechnut.com/product/naturals-just-sweet-potatoes-jar/

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

@CornAllergy911

Reference:

Undeclared petroleum in Martinelli's Gold Medal® Unfiltered Apple Juice

UPC 041244001545

Product Code: 16:37E

Best By Date:  Jan 15, 2021

My most dangerous physician-confirmed allergy is to petroleum/petrolatum (acute asthma which takes 3 days for the petroleum to be eliminated from my system). As a result, I cannot consume any fruits or produce with petroleum-based wax coating. Even when I wash the wax off, the petroleum permeates the skin into the meat. On June 2, 2019, I consumed Martinelli's unfiltered apple juice, and suffered a severe asthma episode requiring antihistamine and steroid (the episode lasted for three days). When I contacted their company this afternoon, they indicated that occasionally they process petroleum-based wax-coated apples to manufacture this juice.

https://www.martinellis.com/products/unfiltered-apple-juice/?fbclid=IwAR2mDmfjac7jyF07SbzPCSwaqtfD8iYm1B21EFsDJwSLAYQAb4wixUC13fo

6/4/19 - Filed complaint with the California Department of Health.

6/5/19 - Filed complaint with the FDA

6/5/19 - Filed complaint with Walmart Corporate Office, 479-273-4000

Anaphylactic Reaction from Licking Envelopes (Corn-Derived Glue)

            In our online corn allergy support groups of over 11K members, there have been many reports of allergic reactions after licking envelopes.  According to the Envelope Manufacturing Association, “envelope adhesive these days is made from corn.”  An anaphylactic reaction after licking corn-derived envelope glue was recently reported in one corn allergy group.

Reprinted with permission by S.D., greater Boston area:

            "I just want to warn others not to lick envelopes. After licking 60+ envelopes at work my throat started to close up. I then looked up the ingredients.  I did not even think to worry about corn in the envelope. The sudden onset of this allergy is eye opening and quite frankly scary since I’ve never dealt with anaphylaxis before."

            Since corn allergies have increased by 820.2% in the last 73 months, we may read more reports of reactions to many of the products outlined in the following article.  According to Iowa Corn, these are just a few of the products manufactured with corn; therefore, if corn were declared an official allergen subject to FDA labeling requirements, nearly everything on our planet would require a corn allergy warning.

INDUSTRIAL STARCH USES

Paper, recycled paper

Cardboard

Textiles

Glues and adhesives

Batteries

Bookbinding

Cleaners, detergents

Coatings on paper, wood and metal

Color carrier for printing

Crayons and Chalk

Dyes

Fireworks

Industrial filters and water recovery

Lubricants

Ore and oil refining

Paints

Plastics

Rubber tires

Surgical dressings

Wallboard and wallpaper

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

@CornAllergy911

References:

July, 2019, Month-End Corn Allergy Statistics: 820.2% Increase in 73 Months

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/04/corn-allergy-statistics-monthly.html

“Corn: It's Everything," Iowa Corn

https://www.iowacorn.org/education/corn-its-everything/

“The lickable strip, which is called the gum, is usually dextrin-based adhesive, Benjamin said. Dextrin adhesives are made from potato or corn starches [emphasis added], which makes the glue safe to lick.” [Unless you are allergic to corn or potatoes.]

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/539q73/why-is-licking-envelopes-still-a-thing

“. . . and in the U.S., lickable envelope glue is made from corn [emphasis added] . . .”

https://www.newsmax.com/health/dr-oz/stamps-licking-envelope-glue/2014/01/13/id/546720/

“The adhesive used on the flap of envelopes falls under the category of starch- and dextrin-based adhesives. Such adhesives can be made from a variety of starchy plant materials, including corn, potato, tapioca, sago, and—eek!—wheat. In practice, however, corn and potato are what’s actually used, as noted in the Envelope Manufacturers Association Foundation report, “Envelope Adhesives Technical Paper.” Its sister organization, the EMA, more specifically notes that envelope adhesive these days is made from corn [emphasis added], and is gluten-free.”

http://nogluten-noproblem.com/2013/02/lick-it-up-the-truth-about-envelopes-stamps-and-gluten.html

“Gum arabic is edible and safe.  Some envelope glue is made from petroleum-based chemicals as well, but these are also safe.” [Unless you are allergic to corn or petroleum (a toxic chemical).  I have physician-diagnosed allergies to both.]

https://www.isitbadforyou.com/questions/is-envelope-glue-bad-for-you

“Signs You're Allergic to Petroleum”
“According to the Ecology Center, petroleum and its by-products can cause illnesses more serious than just allergies. The toxic effects of petroleum products on the human body have been linked to serious respiratory conditions, disruption of the endocrine system and developmental problems in infants exposed before birth. Some EPA studies also suggest the petroleum distillates in pesticides, sometimes ingested in food products, can be linked to some cancers and disturbances of the nervous and reproductive systems.”[emphasis added]

https://www.livestrong.com/article/550141-signs-youre-allergic-to-petroleum/

Corn Allergy References, Studies, & Statistics

(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission, Congress, FDA, & U.S. Dept. of Health requesting emergency mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & drugs.)

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/corn-allergy-reference-links.html

     

Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) Patient Registry

It is my hope that the prevalence of corn allergies will finally be revealed as a result of this survey.

“Food allergy is a serious health condition, but you can make a difference. Help speed the search for better treatments by enrolling in the FARE Patient Registry.

Sign up and join a community of more than 7,000 patients and families. We continue to add new surveys to help you share your experiences and advance our understanding of food allergy.

Food allergy is a serious and growing public health issue. Approximately 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 1 in 13 children. Every three minutes, someone is taken to the emergency room for a food allergy reaction in the United States, and the underlying causes of food allergy and its rapid rise in recent years is still unknown.

FARE’s Patient Registry seeks to answer these questions – and achieve so much more as we work to accelerate research in the area of food allergy. The information you provide will help foster new directions in research to better understand how food allergies affect individual patients and what therapies can be developed to help them. Your participation may help us discover new ways to improve patients’ lives and connect individuals and families to new and innovative clinical trials nationwide.

What are the potential benefits of participating?

You may not benefit directly from participating in the FARE Patient Registry. You may receive information that you find helpful, such as information about the FARE Patient Registry study or food allergies.  The information collected by the FARE Patient Registry may help researchers gain a better understanding of food allergies and may lead to better diagnostic tests and treatments.  By taking surveys you may learn about FARE Patient Registry research findings, including how your answers compare with those of other food allergy patients and new discoveries made by FARE research programs.

What are the potential risks of participating?

There are no major risks associated with participation in this study.  None of the surveys or tools used in the FARE Patient Registry study are interventional, invasive or experimental and involve minimal risk as described hereafter.  Although we will take every precaution to protect your personal information, there is a risk that your privacy may be compromised. In the unlikely situation where this happens, you will be notified right away. Keeping the information from your survey in a secure computer database will limit that risk, but does not eliminate it. FARE Patient Registry staff are trained on how to work with human research participants.   If you share your login and password with others, they may be able to access your account and self-reported survey answers.  There may be other risks that are currently unknown.

There may be risks of loss of privacy and confidentiality if the PDF copy of this consent form is viewed and/or stored on a personal electronic device (PED), especially if that PED is shared with other users or is lost, hacked, or subject to a search warrant or subpoena.

If you change your mind and no longer want to be part of the FARE Patient Registry, you may contact the FARE Patient Registry Coordinator by e-mail at fare.coordinator@altavoice.com. Your account will be deleted; however, data previously collected and de-identified before you decided to withdraw from the FARE Patient Registry cannot be retrieved.  The FARE Patient registry cannot retract the use of de-identified data from studies prior to the date you decided to opt-out.  In the event this study is terminated, FARE will maintain your participant data according to the terms of our Privacy Statement.

You may decide to not participate or you may leave the Registry at any time. Your decision will not result in any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are entitled.

This Registry is for research purposes only. The only alternative is to not participate in this Registry.

There is no cost to you for taking part in this Registry.

You will be told about any new information found during your participation in the Registry that may affect whether you want to continue to take part.”

https://www.foodallergypatientregistry.org/?fbclid=IwAR0IGGTc2Yq5PVqqF3ZlT5OOAem7a_lozls82qT80rgpVwtQl6uuvlJJdiY

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

@CornAllergy911

Foods and Drugs Falsely Advertised as "Corn Free" / My 5/8/19 Inquiry to the FDA

Apparently, the ppm (parts per million) regulation will not apply to corn-derived ingredients[1] in foods and drugs until corn is declared an official allergen subject to FDA labeling requirements.

I have filed numerous adverse reaction reports with my state FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator (Adulterated or Misbranded Foods or Drugs [2]), with the requisite photos of the packaging, UPC Code, etc.  In addition, I have also filed reports with the FTC for false advertising claims.  However, these companies continue to advertise these reported products as corn free – endangering the lives of corn-allergic consumers.

In the event you experience a corn allergy reaction to a product that is labeled "corn free," refer to instructions for filing reports in the following links:

FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm

FTC Filing a Complaint to Report False and Misleading Labeling

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/GettingStarted?NextQID=275&Url=%23%26panel1-9#crnt

My May 8, 2019, inquiry to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food and Cosmetic Information Center (FCIC)/Technical Assistance Network (TAN):

What is the current limit of ppm (parts per million) for a "corn-free" claim by food manufacturers?  Too many people in our corn allergy groups of over 11K members are experiencing allergic reactions to the majority of products advertised as "corn free." A company should not be allowed to make corn-free claims if these products contain corn-derived ingredients. I have filed adverse reaction reports with the FDA, but these companies continue to advertise their products as "corn free."

May 9, 2019, reply to my inquiry:

“Thank you for your inquiry to the FDA Food and Cosmetics Information Center.

You are asking about limits on "corn free" in food label claims.

FDA has not established such a threshold as you are describing.

As you are aware, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) has identified the eight most common major allergenic foods. These foods account for 90 percent of food allergic reactions, and are the food sources from which many other ingredients are derived (such as whey from milk).

Our website has a consumer Q&A on food allergen labeling. There, you can see the work done on gluten-free labeling. FALCPA called for study of the presence of gluten in food, which set the stage for establishing a threshold, through which FDA developed a rule on gluten-free labeling.

Please see a section on Qualified Health Claims and the criteria established for manufacturers to pursue in seeking to use such label claims.

If you have encountered a product that claims to be corn-free and it is not, you can report it to an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your area, who can investigate the matter further. In Florida, where you reside (based on your zip code), you can speak with an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator at 866-337-6272 (toll free). Thank you.

Thank you for contacting FDA’s FCIC/TAN.

View popular Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) questions and answers identified by the Technical Assistance Network (TAN), on our website.”

[1] Corn products/derivatives to avoid if you are allergic to corn

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/07/corn-allergen-lists.html

[2] Title 21 U.S.C. - Section 343, Chapter 1 - Adulterated or Misbranded Foods or Drugs
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/343

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

@CornAllergy911

A mother's desperate struggle to find safe water for her corn-allergic infant son.

            An allergy to corn should be considered a potentially life-threatening diagnosis since hospitals have not been mandated to stock corn-free foods, fluids, or medications for the safety of corn-allergic patients (corn/corn-derived ingredients are ubiquitous, and corn allergen warnings are voluntary). We are currently required to supply our own previously-prepared corn-free products while hospitalized. My argument is: What if our admissions were due to an emergency?

            It is a daily struggle to survive with an allergy to corn.  We can consume very few processed foods, and no commercially-processed non-organic meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, or produce due to government-authorized corn-derived acid washes. Due to the high probability of corn cross-contact, all organic foods must be soaked in a bath of filtered water, Bragg’s apple cider vinegar (in the U.S. white vinegar is derived from corn), and baking soda.  Many people allergic to corn struggle just to find safe drinking water due to corn-derived purification chemicals, and many are required to have their medications compounded to exclude corn (used as a common filler). Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of compounded drugs.  The testimonies from parents of corn-allergic infants (many of whom have been diagnosed with “failure to thrive”) are heartbreaking. There are no commercially-manufactured corn-free infant formulas, and hospitals are ill-equipped to treat/nourish these poor babies.

Reprinted with permission:  A mother’s desperate struggle to find safe water for her corn-allergic infant son.

M.R., Wausau, WI

“My corn allergic son (F.R.) cannot tolerate ingesting any bottled water or tap water. We had to purchase a ProPur Nomad with G2 filters. All food preparation and cooking or any oral contact (oral hygiene) has to be used with this safe water. I am breastfeeding him and I cannot ingest any other source of water either. We also use a ProPur shower head filter for showering/bath due to his open skin/sores with eczema (reaction to corn).

Anytime we travel, we have to take both filters with us.”

Additional Testimonies Reprinted with Permission:

J.V., San Antonio, Tx
“I bought bottled water in Port Saint Lucie, FL and continue to buy here in San Antonio TX. I end up with stomach issues when drinking tap water.  I just moved away from PSL but I also had contact reactions and sometimes airborne when they would "purify" the water more.”  “. . . this area that we are talking about also had issues with water (algae).”

K.B. Port Saint Lucie, FL
“I’m also in Port St Lucie! My son is ingestion reactive and I am contact reactive.  It’s VERY bad with the algae! This summer was rough for us with respiratory issues from both the blue green algae and than red tide”

A.M.

“My baby reacts to tap water and brita filter as well.”

A.L., Pueblo West, CO

“We have to filter our water or it causes stomach distress. Prior to that, I had 1-2 brands of bottled water.”

M.A.G.

“The water at the ski areas is good. Denver not so much.  The only safe water is Voss that I've found so far. You know what, my legs will physically burn when the tap water hits my legs. It's crazy.” .

M.P., Texarkana, TX

“I have to buy distilled water since it’s the cheapest safe water for me to drink and to wash my face with. Tap water causes hives, skin discoloration, and itching. I have to keep a towel beside the shower so I can dry my face in case it gets wet (which causes my face to burn).”

“Update. We live in the DFW area now. I can wash in tap water now with no itching/burning. A ZeroWater pitcher has been a game changer and I don’t have to have distilled water any more. If the water has not been filtered and I ingest it I still get sick, but it doesn’t cause a bad topical reaction. We are hoping to move soon so there’s no telling what the next tap water will do to my skin.”

T.G.B.

“We can not drink Brita filtered water or chlorinated/floridated water- corn allergy kids react. We have safe well water or spring water.”

L.J.

“I can’t drink tap water or bottled. I have a zero water filter pitcher, so far it’s safe.  The filters are on the expensive side, compared to a Brita.”

W.T.

“The Zero is worth it tho - they give you a tester so you can see how much is taken out of the water - it's amazing - and that helps with knowing when to replace - and I like the spigot on the bottom for filling your glass right out of the fridge.”

B.P., Lewiston, ME

“My son is allergic to corn and I wasn't aware it could be in the water and could be the underlying reason of why he is still being triggered thank you for this information I will get on getting a water purifier asap,”

E.Y.B.

“My doc thinks I’m allergic to my tap water. I’ve had success with the Crystal Geyser brand that I have to drink and cook with. Currently looking into getting a house filter and have to get shower filters as I’m skin reactive in the shower and washing dishes.”

“Does anyone have any recommendations for a whole house filter? I ordered a shower filter and I'm doing Crystal Geyeser Springs water for drinking and dishes right now, but I'm super skin reactive to the water in my house. My Doc recommended a whole house filter but I'm getting overwhelmed with all the choices and the price points. I'd preferably like something without activated carbon but at this point I need SOMETHING! Thanks in advance for your suggestions! I appreciate them!”

A.S., Vandemere, NC
“I react to tap and bottle water. Lips, tongue and throat burn. I have a filtered pitcher in my fridge that I use for cooking and drinking. We are trying to decide on a whole house system that will do the job without breaking the bank.”

B.B.

“Last year, I was so, so scared because I could not find a water safe for me to drink. I had one quart of safe water left that I sipped on for four days, while trying to find some, when I actually should have been drinking way more than the quart every day because I have a problem with very painful kidneys without a lot of water.

I finally learned about Crystal Geyser and that many people tolerated it. I had to drive to another town like 25 miles away to find some though.

It would take very little to bring us to the point of having no safe food or water! Just add corn to the rest of what little we have left, and Boom!That is unacceptable!”

T.C.
“Im currently taking compounded benadryl and claritain daily while I try out bottled water and water filters to find water that is safe for me to drink. I had to stop eating for a day just to figure out it was the water that I was drinking that caused me having allergic reactions, feel miserable, and extremely fatigued daily for two weeks.”

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

Email:  cornallergyinitiative@gmail.com

Twitter:  @CornAllergy911

Reference Documents:

Corn Allergy For Newbies

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2019/08/corn-allergy-for-newbies.html

Corn Allergy: A Potentially Life-Threatening Diagnosis

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2020/01/corn-allergy-potentially-life.html

Corn products/derivatives to avoid if you are allergic to corn

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/07/corn-allergen-lists.html

Corn Allergy Statistics (Monthly)

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/04/corn-allergy-statistics-monthly.html

Corn Allergy References, Studies, Statistics, & Petitions

(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission, Congress, FDA, & U.S. Dept. of Health requesting emergency mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & drugs.)

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/corn-allergy-reference-links.html

Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/12/removing-food-protein-does-not.html

"Corn: It's Everything," Iowa Corn

https://www.iowacorn.org/education/corn-its-everything/

Vinegar

"Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid and trace chemicals that may include flavorings. .... Apple cider vinegar is made from cider or apple must, and has a ... or sukang basi), although it also is produced in France and the United States. .... regions, because of its low cost, is barley malt, or in the United States, corn."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar

Cross-Contact of Allergens:

Cross-Contact or Cross-Contamination: What’s the Difference?

http://www.allergyamulet.com/blog/2017/9/29/cross-contact-or-cross-contamination-whats-the-difference

Avoiding Cross-Contact

"Learn how to prevent cross-contact, which happens when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another."

https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/avoiding-cross-contact

"The problem is compounded by the fact that few outside the allergic community understand the danger of cross-contact, the term used when trace of an allergen that is not an ingredient finds its way into a product causing the potential for a reaction. As such, it is imperative that organizations and businesses that serve the allergic community take the initiative to fully vet the products they recommend with their respective manufacturers. To do otherwise is to put the community risk."

https://snacksafely.com/2019/11/advisory-to-those-preparing-holiday-meals-for-guests-with-food-allergies/?fbclid=IwAR0WazdB37INNG132nQ3tq1chWxijcQMSieH9tDm1MFnvfB5J29R7vGBoAQ

Update April 15, 2020

This blog post has been forwarded to all Senators of the 116th Congress, in addition to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Pure Encapsulations® / Reported Corn Allergy Reactions

Over the last several years, there have been many reported corn allergy reactions to some of the Pure Encapsulations® supplements by members of our online corn allergy groups of over 11K members.  These supplements are manufactured by Atrium Innovations, Inc., and they list their other brands as Garden of Life®, Wobenzym®, AOV, Douglas Laboratories®, Genestra Brands™, Klean Athlete®, Minami, Orthica, Pharmax, and Tropic™. 

My April 30, 2019 Inquiry:

"Your products are often mentioned in our corn allergy groups of over 11K members. One of our members just mentioned that her physician contacted your company to inquire if any of your products contain corn (she should have asked if your products contain any ingredients DERIVED from corn). Her physician was told that none of your products contain corn; however, many of our members have reported corn allergy reactions to your products.

For the safety of the corn allergy community, we would like to finally resolve this issue. Do your products contain any corn-derived ingredients?

Thank you!"

Their May 1, 2019 Reply:

"Hello Diane,

Many of our ingredients, including vitamin C, B12 and B2 are derived from corn dextrose fermentation. This process starts with isolating dextrose from corn (a sugar, so does not contain allergenic corn protein), which is then fed to micro-organisms. The micro-organisms produce these nutrients, and the nutrients are then isolated and purified away from the starting materials.  While no corn proteins or sugar remain in the final product (and we have tested with negative results), we do not routinely test for corn allergens and therefore we would not be able to guarantee its safety for someone with a corn allergy.  I would add if you have a specific product in mind, please ask and I can investigate further."

My Personal Recommendation:

If you are allergic to corn, I would personally avoid consuming any of their products (including products from their other noted brands).  I have previously contacted Garden of Life® and Douglas Laboratories®.  Both companies confirmed that many of their products contain corn-derived ingredients; and, therefore, recommended that they be avoided by the corn allergy community.

I am concerned with their comment that dextrose [the sugar derived from corn] "does not contain allergenic corn protein."  If this were true, dextrose IV fluid would not contain a warning that dextrose IV fluid should not be administered to corn-allergic patients.  In addition, one of my most critical corn allergy reactions was to Morton's iodized salt.  Morton's confirmed that iodized salt contains corn-derived dextrose.   

Reference Documents:

After reading disturbing testimonies by members of our corn allergy groups that physicians insisted upon administering dextrose IV fluid to corn-allergic patients requiring immediate intervention with an antihistamine, it took me three years to forward the following product information sheet from Baxter Labs to our nation’s hospitals and colleges of medicine for the safety of corn-allergic patients.  One physician actually told a patient that “no one can be allergic to dextrose.”  Their lack of knowledge can endanger patients’ lives.  

After a compounding pharmacist told a corn-allergic patient that “cornstarch is not really corn,” I contacted the majority of world-wide pharmaceutical companies and our nation’s colleges of pharmacy.

Baxter Labs specifically warns about administering dextrose IV fluids to corn-allergic patients.

"Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products." - Page 3

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/016679s104,016682s105,016692s095,019367s026lbl.pdf

BCPharmacists, "Warning: corn-related allergens . . ."

http://library.bcpharmacists.org/6_Resources/6-7_ReadLinks/ReadLinks-MayJun2007.pdf

"Probable anaphylactic reaction to corn-derived dextrose solution."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1808842

Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/12/removing-food-protein-does-not.html

United States Hospitals/Health Systems Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/07/united-states-hospitalshealth-systems.html

Pharmaceutical Companies Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2017/05/pharmaceutical-companies-contacted.html

Colleges of Medicine Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/colleges-of-medicine-contacted-re.html

Colleges of Pharmacy Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/05/colleges-of-pharmacy-contacted-re.html

Critical Corn Allergy References, Studies, Statistics, & Petitions

(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission, Congress, FDA, & U.S. Dept. of Health requesting emergency mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & drugs.)

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/corn-allergy-reference-links.html

Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate

Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/

@CornAllergy911