Most small businesses catering to the needs of people with food allergies are founded by people who either have them or have dealt with them, and knows how difficult it can be in finding safe food products.

One such small business is Rebecca's Nut-Free, selling made-to-order cakes, cookies, muffins and other baked goodies that are certified nut-free. Ten years ago, Rebecca was found to have allergies to nuts, after a near-fatal episode. Frustrated with the lack of nut-free treats for kids in the market, Christyne LaPlaca, Rebecca's mother, set-up the business. Since then, the business grew, and their goodies are now available in various retail outlets.

Also, Ms. LaPlaca founded the Food Allergy of the North Shore. If you live in the area, you might want to drop by one of their meetings, held monthly at the Salem Hospital.