Allergy: Food Challenge for Extensively Heated Egg (HEFC)
The goal for a baked egg food challenge is to have your child eat a known quantity of egg in a baked product, such as cake or muffin. This is usually about ¼ of a baked egg. The recipe used for the challenge should have at least 2-3 eggs in it, so your child will not have to eat as much to get the goal dose. If you do not use the recipe below, please bring in a copy of the recipe to clinic the day of your challenge. If your child has a wheat allergy, you can use a gluten free cake or muffin mix that calls for 2-3 eggs.
Prepare for the Baked Egg Challenge
1. Do not give antihistamines for 5 days before the food challenge. The one exception is diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), which can be used up to 24 hrs before the food challenge.
2. Continue to give other allergy and asthma medicines as usual.
3. If your child is sick on the day of the food challenge, call the clinic to reschedule. Your child needs to be well for a food challenge.
Sample recipe for baked egg food challenge:
Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
You Will Need:
• 1 1/3 Cups Water
• 1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 3 Large Eggs
Pan Size/Bake Time:
• 13 x 9-INCH: 32-35 minutes OR
• 24 Cupcakes: 18-21 minutes
1. Prep: PREHEAT oven to 350°F. for metal or glass pans and 325°F for dark or coated pans. GREASE sides and bottom of each pan. FLOUR lightly. (Use baking cups for cupcakes).
2. Mix: BLEND dry mix, water, oil and eggs in large bowl at low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds). BEAT at medium speed for 2 minutes. POUR batter in pans and bake immediately.
3. Bake: BAKE following chart on box. Add 3-5 minutes to bake time for dark or coated pans. Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. COOL in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes.
4. Cut : 13x9-INCH cake into 12 equal pieces. The “dose” is ¼ of an egg which is 1½ pieces OR 3 cupcakes (if 24 cupcakes are baked)
Bring 6 pieces of cake or 6 cupcakes to the clinic visit to allow for spills.
After Your Child’s Baked Egg Challenge:
If your child passed the food challenge for heated egg, wait until the next day to begin giving new foods with heated egg. Continue to avoid mayonnaise, custard, ice creams, meringues and other foods with concentrated, less cooked eggs. Here are some ideas for adding foods.
• Begin with baked recipes like cakes, muffins, cupcakes, meatloaf, quick breads, like banana or pumpkin bread and other foods that are baked at 350۫F for at least 25 minutes. Eat these foods often.
• In 2-3 months, if your child is doing well with the above foods, pancakes and waffles may be added to his/her diet. Baked foods that are baked for less than 25 minutes (brownies, some casseroles, cookies and pies) may be added as well.
If you have questions about a food that is not listed above or general concerns about what foods to offer, please call the clinic.
Pediatric Allergy Clinic 608-263-6180
If you have questions about a food that is not listed above or general concerns about what foods to offer, please call the clinic.
Pediatric Allergy Clinic 608-263-6180
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/14/2012
Copyright © 01/11/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#514
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