We are taking the entire family to Europe in a couple of weeks and we are considering our options for dealing with our youngest son's significant food allergies.
Because of the allergies, we must prepare all his food. Since we will be in countries where it will be difficult to read ingredients on packaging, etc. we feel compelled to bring some staples that we are sure he can eat. Specifically, I'm talking about things like dry pasta, cereal bars, uncooked rice, oatmeal, bread, cereal, peanut butter (go figure, one thing he's not allergic to), jelly, etc. We need to pack a two week supply of this stuff for him, which will amount to 1-2 packages of each.
In addition to this, we also need to pack prepared food for the 9 hour flight. We would expect this to be (for example) cooked chicken, vegetables, rice, and pre-packaged snacks.
Now, I'm certain we will be best served to pack things like jelly and peanut butter in checked luggage. However, we will feel safer if we take the other food on-board. For anybody with insight or experience taking food on-board in such quantities, I would love to know:
- Are there any regulations or possible issues with packing a small carry-on with his packaged non-perishable food? Should we take any steps (doctor's note, etc) to help answer any questions?
- Are there any clearly restricted foods we should avoid (e.g. I would assume fresh meat or vegetables might be tricky if not consumed on the plane because of customs)
- Any possible issues regarding the prepared food he will eat while on the plane?
Instinct tells me none of this should be an issue, but instinct also tells me I shouldn't need to take my shoes off in security or show an ID to the TSA guy.
Any input or feedback would be much appreciated. Gotta make sure my little buddy can eat!