Way to Russia Talk Lounge

eyespy · Just Starting Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 9

Was hoping I could get a hand from some Russian people living in Russia. I'm planning on coming to St. Petersburg for a summer language course and hopefully a semester or year on student exchange.

My problem is that I am deadly allergic to peanuts and nuts. How common is this allergy in Russia and are people aware of it? In Canada our food companies put "may contain traces of nuts" on food that may have come in contact with nuts and nut food at the factory. Does Russia do this? How common are nuts in Russian cooking?

Basically, I'm a little timid because I want to feel safe while there and have the ability to enjoy myself and not spend my whole time worried about food.

Any information would be amazing, thanks so much.

AliceFromMoscow · WayToRussified Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Posts: 411

Nut allergy? Shocked

I have never heard of such thing nor seen any inscriptions on food about nuts.

Mogsfan · WayToRussified Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 490

cyndy22 · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2004 11:56 pm Post subject:

I know a number of people who are very allergic to nuts. When and if you have travelled anywhere, you must have dealt with this issue. Russia is no different. I do not think that nuts are an ingredient in most Russian foods. But of course you want to be safe. So you must learn to ask in Russian if any type of nuts might be in the food preparation when you order in rexstaurant. If you cook yourself that is easy. In markets you can also ask. I do not know if ingredients are listed however on packages. Others on this foryum can tell you. Use your judgement and if you have any suspician order or select something else.

AliceFromMoscow · WayToRussified Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Posts: 411

Ingridients are listed yes, but all in russian...
nuts - орехи
peanuts - арахис
I cant recall any dish or food from store with nuts in it anyway )... Only chocolate or nuts seperately

eyespy · Just Starting Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 9

Well I wont have a problem reading labels or asking people because I should speak the language well enough to communicate by then.

What I mean is that in North America they put warnings on say BREAD 1 because even though it has no nuts itself it was made in the same room or area as BREAD 2 which is made with nuts. Do you see what I mean Alice?

I was a little more freaked out last night because I TOTALY overlooked this problem but I'm more rational now. I think it will be ok. When at the school I can have talks with the people selling food and the school itself. And the dorm could very well have a fridge or kitchen access and I can cook. When I eat out if I'm too worried about Russian places I can always eat at McDonald's and Pizza Hut and such since i know they are there and should be safe.

If anyone has more info it would be awesome Smile

Thanks.

eyespy · Just Starting Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 9

By the way Alice, I guess that answers my question about how aware people are lol Smile

Oh well, I will just have to make sure people TOTALLY understand the situation and seriousness when I ask about foods and such. Are food (especially fatal) allergies at all common in Russia? Like milk allergies, etc?

AliceFromMoscow · WayToRussified Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Posts: 411

yes i think its common...
i know some people have allergy to citrus fruits and honey....

brandalpayne11 · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:52 am Post subject:

I for one am totally allergic to "NUTS".
I don't want to be anywhere near them, & if they happen to present themselves they will be dealt with accordingly

Anna · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 1:31 am Post subject:

and I usually take pills for allergy wherever I go - just in case

Frick · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:10 am Post subject:

eyespy,
I am not sure if you know this or not, but I will offer some advise. You should consult you doctor about a shot for severe allergic reactions. I believe they are called an Epi-pen, your doctor should know. They are used for anaphylaxis shock caused by bug bites, etc. This shot is spring loaded and designed for easy use in a hurry. They are only avaible by obtaining a prescription and you would probibly need to see if the country you are traveling to allows you to have it. I have seen this shot used before and it works fast and saves lives.
Hope this helps.

Frick

uday · WayToRussified Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 323

markhagelin · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 10:34 pm Post subject:

uday · WayToRussified Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 323

Luba · Frequent Guest Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 14

[]How common are nuts in Russian cooking?

Not at all. We don't have peanut butter here in our grocery stores. It is so rare that it has become a special American treat for Russians. :P
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