Surprising Non-Food Products That May Contain Traces Of Peanut

If you have a peanut allergy, you are probably accustomed to reading labels and scanning for warnings about manufacturers that handle peanuts. What you might not know is that peanuts are quite popular in non-food items as well.

The popularity of peanut products is growing as an organic and biodegradable alternative for packing material or as an inexpensive additive to many beauty products. The next time you’re in the market for these non-food items, be sure to double check the labels. If you have any suspicions at all about the contents, pass and find another. Also, if you have a school-aged child, be sure the school knows that these products are as dangerous as food items.

Non-Food Items That May Contain Peanut

Peanut shells or skins may be found in any of the following:

• Artificial fireplace logs
• Fiber roughage for livestock feed
• Kitty litter
• Paper: wrapping, decorative, scrapbook and wallpaper
• Stuffing for beanbags, stuffed animals, neck pillows and hacky sacks
• Pet bedding for hamsters, rodents and birds
• Wallboard and other construction materials
• Potting soil, mulches
• Rodent and ant bait

Peanuts or peanut oil may be found in the following:

• Axle grease
• Bird seed
• Bleach
• Cosmetics, especially lipstick
• Detergent
• Explosives
• Face creams, under-eye creams, body lotions, hand lotions
• Fertilizers for the lawn, compost accelerators
• Ink
• Linoleum
• Medicines (be sure to talk to your pharmacist about prescription and over-the-counter drug) contents
• Metal polish
• Pet food: cat and dog, hamster and gerbil, birdseed, also dog and cat treats
• Paint: art, craft and some house paints
• Rubber
• Shampoo and hair conditioners
• Shaving cream
• Soap: bar and liquid; face, body and hand

Sources: BestAllergySites, About.com
Photo: Pexels