Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? Email us at [email protected].
About the cards
Is this medical advice?
No. Our cards are a communication aid. They help you explain your child’s needs. Always follow your child’s own medical plan from their doctor, allergist or dietitian. In an emergency, call 911.
Who fills in the card?
You do. The cards come with blank fields for your child’s foods to avoid, signs to watch for, and contacts. We never decide what your child can or can’t eat.
Who wrote the cards?
We wrote them in plain language, using general facts from Canadian public sources: Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Food Allergy Canada and Celiac Canada. Each fact lists its source on the card.
What do the cards say about emergencies?
They give no treatment steps. Food allergy cards say “Call 911” and “Follow my child’s emergency action plan from their doctor,” with space to say where the plan is kept. Celiac cards ask the adult to tell you if your child may have eaten gluten, and say to call 911 for any medical emergency. Attach your child’s own plan.
Which allergens are on the Food Allergy Kit?
Checkboxes follow Health Canada’s priority food allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat and triticale, soy, fish, crustaceans and molluscs (shellfish), sesame, mustard and sulphites, plus an “Other” line.
Which languages are the cards in?
English, Spanish and French (Canadian French). Every kit has all three, as separate files in your download. If a translation reads oddly to you, please email us.
Do the cards work outside Canada?
The general facts and the allergen list are based on Canadian sources. The cards may still help elsewhere, but labelling rules differ by country.
How do I reach you?
Email [email protected]. We reply within 2 business days. Please don’t send us your child’s health information.
Filling in and printing
Can I fill it in on my phone?
Yes. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app. Many phone and browser PDF viewers show the fields but don’t save what you type. You can also print the print-only version and write by hand.
Do I type my child’s name on every page?
No. In the fillable PDF, type it once and it appears on every card.
What paper and printer do I need?
Any home printer and regular letter-size paper (8.5 × 11 in). Choose “Actual size” in the print settings. Card stock or a laminating pouch makes wallet cards last longer.
Do you see what I type into the fillable PDF?
No. What you type stays in your copy of the file, on your device. We never receive it.
How often should I update the cards?
Whenever your child’s plan, contacts or school changes, and at the start of each school year. Print fresh copies and collect the old ones.