Do allergens withstand grill heat?

[lnitti]

My husband wants to grill some items that dd is allergic too. He seems to think that the heat from the grill would kill off the allergens on the grill so that he wouldn't contaminate future grilled items. I told him I disagree.

Also, what if we go to a picnic location and want to grill stuff. Can we only use our own grill or can we use the public grills?

Does anyone know if there is a heating point that would make the grill safe?

[kjbrown92]

After grilling something my kids can't have (it's difficult since DS can't have chicken and DD2 can't have beef) we turn it up high, then scrub the grill. Then when we turn it on to cook the next thing, we turn it up high to preheat, and scrub again with the grill brush. We've had one instance of cross contamination, but the grill actually hadn't been cleaned after chicken and before the beef. So we're extra careful now. The other thing to do is put some aluminum foil under the thing and then it doesn't touch the grill (we did that when DS was at school and they were having a big field day picnic; I sent in 2 pieces of foil, 2 burgers, and his own spatula).

[lnitti]

Originally Posted by kjbrown92

After grilling something my kids can't have (it's difficult since DS can't have chicken and DD2 can't have beef) we turn it up high, then scrub the grill. Then when we turn it on to cook the next thing, we turn it up high to preheat, and scrub again with the grill brush. We've had one instance of cross contamination, but the grill actually hadn't been cleaned after chicken and before the beef. So we're extra careful now. The other thing to do is put some aluminum foil under the thing and then it doesn't touch the grill (we did that when DS was at school and they were having a big field day picnic; I sent in 2 pieces of foil, 2 burgers, and his own spatula).

Every time he grills, her turns it up high and scrubs with the grill brush. but the grill brush does not get cleaned. But you think doing that would work or does he need to also turn it up high and scrub after cooking too (rather than just before cooking the next time)

[dannic]

I would scrub both times and clean the brush. I also second the foil for other's grills. I am vigilant on my own, but can't count on others to be the same way.

[changingseasons]

Some people can tolerate high-heat processed versions of their allergens (like some peanut-allergic people can eat peanut oil), but many/most can't. Same principle here.

I wouldn't risk it for IgE allergies. Intolerances, maybe, if everything was really scrubbed down.

[MariaMadly]

I wouldn't risk it either. I'd use a separate grill, or line it with foil. The only thing I trust to remove allergens is soap and water.

[sbgrace]

Absolutely no way I would do that with IGe allergens. Most of the common allergens are not affected (less allergenic) with heat processing and some are, in fact, more allergenic with heat. Will your husband look at research in this area?
http://www.eufic.org/page/en/page/FA...ood-allergens/

Unlike microbiological risks, heating does not necessarily destroy food allergens and may actually increase their potency.

Soap and water scrub and lots of rinsing along with foil after maybe (and clean untensils) if it's not a life threatening/ana type allergy (which I won't allow in my house let alone on my grill). Just not worth it to me. What is so wonderful that your husband must have it cooked on a shared grill regardless of a child's allergy to the food?

[lnitti]

Originally Posted by sbgrace

What is so wonderful that your husband must have it cooked on a shared grill regardless of a child's allergy to the food?

Honestly, I can't remember what it was he said he wanted! It was something with dairy I think. I don't think she is anaphylactic to it, but I told him no we would not get whatever it was. Or if he really wanted it to use aluminum foil.

But there are also other times it comes into play. With one of the vacation ideas we had the hotels have grills for the guests to use, and also at state parks and such. We will just use aluminum foil. But also, we recently went to a catered event at a local park. They made hamburgers on the park's grill. I didn't let dd have any. Or when we visit family, if they grill something, I'd we worried about the contamination from the grill.

[lnitti]

Originally Posted by MariaMadly

I wouldn't risk it either. I'd use a separate grill, or line it with foil. The only thing I trust to remove allergens is soap and water.

That is exactly what I told my husband

[sbgrace]

Originally Posted by lnitti

But there are also other times it comes into play. With one of the vacation ideas we had the hotels have grills for the guests to use, and also at state parks and such. We will just use aluminum foil. But also, we recently went to a catered event at a local park. They made hamburgers on the park's grill. I didn't let dd have any. Or when we visit family, if they grill something, I'd we worried about the contamination from the grill.

I think it's a legitimate concern. It's one of the yuckiest parts of allergies (i.e. that eating out--even at family homes--can be and often is impacted). I just asked my son (he's six and has been dealing with this stuff for some time) if it makes him sad. He said not much. He told me he feels better now than he used to feel. Kids adjust. I do hate hauling safe food everywhere though.