Hold the Peanuts and Cracker Jack

Millions of Americans flock to baseball stadiums from April to October each year, proving baseball is still worthy of its title as America's pastime. Between Major League Baseball teams and their numerous Minor League affiliates, there are 270 professional baseball teams scattered throughout the United States. Fans and casual observers of these teams expect to sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" as a rallying cry during the 7th inning stretch. But for some in the stadium, actually buying peanuts and Cracker Jack isn't an option – and being around them can require a dose of epinephrine.

The Problem with Peanuts

According to the Mayo Clinic, peanut allergies are "the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis," a reaction so severe that it can be fatal.¹ Among children with a peanut allergy, only about 20 to 25 percent grow out of it, and it isn't unusual for their parents to request accommodations in the classroom or on flights to safeguard against accidental exposure. Peanut-allergic adults frequently take similar precautions on their own behalf as an additional safety measure.²

Because baseball games have become intrinsically linked with peanuts, they have long been a no-go for peanut-allergic children and for the many adults whose peanut allergies are lifelong conditions. Ballparks, although usually open-air venues, can be an environment that is especially difficult to control. Because peanut shells are often cracked and tossed, both shells and particles are often scattered around the area. Severely allergic people may be forced to avoid the baseball stadium altogether, while others try to manage the experience by thoroughly wiping down their seats and hoping for the best.

Peanut-allergic people might try to create a peanut-free barrier out of family or friends that attend the game with them, while some simply request that those around them refrain from consuming peanuts for the duration of the game - a request that can be met with mixed responses. However, many ballparks are adopting strategies to make attending games less stressful for fans suffering from a peanut allergy.

Broadening the Barrier at Ballgames

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly when stadiums began providing peanut-free atmospheres, but they've become increasingly commonplace at both Major and Minor League ballparks in recent years. Peanut-free accommodations appear in a variety of forms, ranging from suites or sections where peanuts aren't allowed to stadium-wide peanut free nights that entail peanut removal and thorough cleaning to eliminate as much peanut residue as possible. These games might be advertised as peanut-controlled, peanut-reduced, or peanut-allergy-friendly games.

Although each of these peanut-free games aim to provide a safer environment for those suffering from a peanut allergy, it's still recommended that peanut allergic people continue to take their usual precautions as an additional safety measure. To find a peanut-free game near you, check the popular blog Free to Enjoy Baseball or contact your local Major or Minor League team to inquire directly.

Keeping Cross-Contamination Out of Concessions