If a child is allergic to wheat, it may be difficult to avoid because wheat contains gluten, which is used in a wide variety of baked products. Key words that indicate the presence of wheat include modified food starch, flour, enriched flour, and self-rising flour. Corn is another common allergy-producing food. It is found in cereals, oils, sweeteners, and starches. It is used as a filler, extender, and thickener in many foods.
People vary as to the type of corn they are allergic to.
Some cannot eat corn in any form but pure corn sugar. Generally, corn oil is the least offensive food, while corn syrup is the most offensive. Foods commonly containing corn are carbonated beverages, instant coffee and tea, breads, pastries, muffins, marshmallows and marshmallow creme, cream puffs, instant pudding mixes, cereals, salad dressings, deep fat frying mixtures and breading, and cooking oils. Vitamin capsules may also contain corn products. Key words that indicate the presence of corn are corn solids, corn syrup, corn starch, and vegetable starch.