Food allergies are an increasing public health concern that affect six percent of adults and about eight percent of children in the United States. Food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to consuming certain foods and affects 33 million Americans. One in every 13 children has a food allergy—that equates to about two in every classroom in America. Food allergies are serious: every 10 seconds, a food allergy reaction sends a patient to the emergency room.

What Causes a Food Allergy?

The body’s immune system is responsible for identifying and destroying germs that cause illness. A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakes a harmless food protein for a bacteria or virus. When a person with a food allergy eats, touches, or inhales a certain protein in food, the immune system produces an antibody to attack it. The next time the person eats, touches, or inhales that same allergen, it binds to the antibodies, causing cells to release chemicals that trigger symptoms. The onset of reaction to a food allergen can range from minutes to hours, and symptoms can vary from mild to life-threatening.

The nine most common food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame. The United States Department of AgricultureUSDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have laws which require all the ingredients in a food product to be listed on the food label. People can be allergic to foods other than the nine most common. Unfortunately, these allergens can hide in unexpected places, and may not be listed on food labels.

Food Allergies Are Serious

Food allergy may occur in response to any food, and some people are allergic to more than one food. Food allergies may start in childhood or as an adult. You can develop a food allergy at any age, even to a food that you’ve safely eaten before.  Although there is no ‘cure,’ children may outgrow a food allergy over time.

Food allergies should always be taken seriously, as they are potentially life-threatening. Food allergies differ from food intolerances, and symptoms may overlap with those of other medical conditions. It is very important to have a food allergy confirmed by an evaluation with an allergy specialist.

Support for those with Food Allergies

Although it can be a challenge to live with a food allergy, it’s helpful to understand the allergy and how to avoid it. Thankfully there are entire organizations dedicated to providing support and resources for those living with food allergies. For more information, check out the Food Allergy Research and Education website.

Writer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, carter.413@osu.edu

Reviewer: Ken Stewart, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Monroe County, stewart.1982@osu.edu

Sources:

Food Allergy and Research and Education https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/what-food-allergy

Food Safety and  Inspection Service https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-allergies-big-9#:~:text=What%20Is%20a%20Food%20Allergy,are%20caused%20by%20certain%20proteins

National Institutes of Health https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/food-allergy-causes-prevention