Food Science Fact Sheet: Understanding Food Allergies

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakenly sees a harmless food protein as a threat. This triggers an immune response that can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild reactions like hives and swelling to more severe issues such as stomach pain. In extreme cases, it can cause anaphylaxis, a serious, life-threatening reaction that needs immediate medical attention.

What is a Food Intolerance?

Food intolerance is different from a food allergy. It occurs when your body struggles to digest certain foods, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances don’t involve the immune system and are usually less severe. For example, lactose intolerance happens when your body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase needed to break down lactose, the sugar in dairy products.

What are the Major Food Allergens?

Certain foods are known to trigger most allergic reactions. These major allergens include:

• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts (like almonds, walnuts, and cashews)
• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish (such as shrimp and crab)
• Soy
• Wheat

These foods are closely monitored due to their potential to cause severe allergic reactions and are a key focus in food safety regulations and labeling.

How Should Food Allergens Be Labelled?

To help people with allergies avoid problems, food labels need to clearly identify allergens. Here’s how:

• Ingredient Lists: Allergens must be listed in the ingredients section of packaged foods, and the labeling should be straightforward and clear.
• Allergen Statements: Many labels include a special allergen statement, often in bold, near the ingredient list to warn about potential cross-contamination or traces of allergens.
• Clear and Noticeable: Allergen information should be easy to spot, usually in a separate section or highlighted for visibility.
• Regulatory Standards: Different countries have their own rules for allergen labeling.

This fact sheet offers a clear overview of food allergies, differentiates them from food intolerances, lists common allergens, and explains how allergens should be labeled to ensure safety and clarity.