Food Allergy Foods: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Although ongoing research is paving the way for innovative treatments, currently there is no definitive cure for food allergies. For individuals with food allergies, the cornerstone of managing this condition lies in accurate medical diagnosis to pinpoint trigger foods and strict avoidance of these foods to prevent potentially severe health consequences.

Understanding Major Food Allergens

While an extensive range of foods can provoke allergic reactions, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) initially identified eight foods as major food allergens. These included: milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

Expanding this list, on April 23, 2021, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act was enacted, adding sesame as the 9th major food allergen recognized in the United States, effective from January 1, 2023. Despite the legal requirement for sesame labeling being in effect, some food products might still be available without sesame listed as an allergen during this transition period. Further details about this transition are available at Allergic to Sesame? Food Labels Now Must List Sesame as an allergen.

The current list of major food allergens includes:

1. Milk: Found in dairy products, baked goods, and processed foods.
2. Eggs: Present in baked goods, mayonnaise, and many prepared foods.
3. Fish: Examples include bass, flounder, and cod, often found in seafood dishes and sauces.
4. Crustacean Shellfish: Such as crab, lobster, and shrimp, common in seafood boils and bisques.
5. Tree Nuts: Including almonds, walnuts, and pecans, found in snacks, desserts, and some ethnic cuisines.
6. Peanuts: Often used in snacks, candies, and sauces, despite being legumes, they are classified as major allergens.
7. Wheat: A staple in breads, pasta, and cereals, also found in many processed foods as a thickening agent.
8. Soybeans: Used in soy sauce, tofu, edamame, and as an ingredient in numerous processed foods.
9. Sesame: Found in sesame seeds, tahini, and sesame oil, increasingly common in baked goods and ethnic dishes.

Understanding these major food allergens is crucial for individuals managing food allergies and for food manufacturers ensuring consumer safety.

Understanding Allergen Labeling for Food Allergy Foods

The FDA is responsible for enforcing FALCPA on the labeling of food products under its regulation. This encompasses all foods except for poultry, most meats, certain egg products, and the majority of alcoholic beverages, which are regulated by other federal agencies. FALCPA mandates that food labels clearly state the source of any ingredient that is one of the nine major food allergens or contains protein derived from them. Accurate food labeling is essential, enabling consumers with allergies to easily identify and avoid foods that pose a risk to their health.

Decoding Food Allergy Foods Labels: How Major Allergens Are Listed

FALCPA’s regulations on Food Allergy Foods require that labels clearly list the food source names of all major food allergens used in the product. This labeling is considered sufficient if the common or usual name of an ingredient (for instance, buttermilk) inherently indicates the allergen’s source (milk). Otherwise, the food source of the allergen must be declared at least once on the food label, using one of two approved methods:

1. Parenthetical Declaration: Following the ingredient name in the ingredient list, the allergen source is placed in parentheses. Examples: “lecithin (soy),” “flour (wheat),” and “whey (milk).”
2. “Contains” Statement: Immediately after or adjacent to the ingredient list, a “Contains” statement lists all major allergens present in the food. Example: “Contains Wheat, Milk, and Soy.”

These labeling practices are designed to make it straightforward for individuals managing food allergies to identify safe food allergy foods and avoid potential allergens.

Recognizing Symptoms of Food Allergies from Food Allergy Foods

Experiencing symptoms after eating certain food allergy foods can indicate an allergic reaction. These symptoms can vary significantly among individuals and even across different reactions in the same person. The intensity and type of reaction can depend on factors such as the amount of allergen consumed.

Symptoms from food allergy foods can manifest from a few minutes up to a couple of hours after ingestion.

Common symptoms of allergic reactions to food allergy foods include:

• Skin Reactions: Hives, flushed skin, or rash are common visual indicators.
• Oral Sensations: Tingling or itching in the mouth can be an early sign of a reaction.
• Swelling: Face, tongue, or lip swelling are noticeable symptoms that may require immediate attention.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps are frequent digestive responses.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Coughing or wheezing can indicate airway involvement.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Dizziness and/or lightheadedness may occur due to changes in blood pressure.
• Throat and Breathing Difficulties: Swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and difficulty breathing are severe symptoms requiring urgent care.
• Loss of Consciousness: In extreme cases, loss of consciousness can occur.

Food Allergies Can Be Life-Threatening Reactions to Food Allergy Foods

While most reactions to food allergy foods are mild, causing discomfort primarily through skin or digestive issues, some can escalate into a severe, life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis from food allergy foods can lead to:

• Airway Constriction: Narrowing of airways in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
• Anaphylactic Shock: Severe drop in blood pressure leading to shock, a critical condition.
• Suffocation Risk: Swelling of the throat and larynx can obstruct breathing, leading to suffocation.

In case of a known food allergy and the onset of reaction symptoms after consuming food allergy foods:

• Immediately Stop Eating: Discontinue consumption of the suspected food allergy foods right away.
• Assess Need for Epinephrine: Evaluate if an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is needed.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt medical care is crucial, even after epinephrine use.

Anaphylaxis symptoms can initially appear mild but can rapidly become life-threatening if not promptly treated. Early recognition of anaphylaxis symptoms and immediate administration of epinephrine, followed by medical intervention, can be life-saving.

It’s important to understand that even a mild initial allergic reaction to food allergy foods has the potential to progress to anaphylaxis. Individuals with known allergies should always closely monitor their symptoms and seek medical help if any reaction occurs.

Immediate Steps When Symptoms from Food Allergy Foods Occur

If symptoms arise after eating certain food allergy foods, it may indicate a food allergy. The suspected food(s) should be avoided in the future, and it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

For individuals and families managing food allergies, these 4 tips are vital for reducing risks associated with food allergy foods:

1. Always Read Food Labels: Carefully check labels for major allergens before consuming any packaged food allergy foods.
2. Strictly Avoid Allergenic Foods: Ensure complete avoidance of foods known to cause allergic reactions.
3. Learn to Recognize Early Symptoms: Be vigilant in identifying the initial signs of an allergic reaction for prompt action.
4. Know Emergency Procedures: Have a clear plan for managing allergic reactions, including access to epinephrine and emergency medical services.

Reporting Adverse Reactions and Labeling Concerns Related to Food Allergy Foods

If you or a family member experiences an allergic reaction after consuming an FDA-regulated food or food product, especially if the labeling is unclear or potentially incorrect regarding allergens, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Retain any packaging, as it may contain important lot numbers or dates. Consider contacting the manufacturer directly to report the issue.

To officially report a complaint or adverse event such as illness or a serious allergic reaction to food allergy foods, visit Industry and Consumer Assistance.

When submitting reports to the FDA, provide as much detail as possible, including:

• Reporter and Affected Individual Information: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of those reporting and affected.
• Purchase Details: Name and address of where the product was bought.
• Reaction Description:
  • Date of the reaction.
  • Detailed symptoms experienced.
  • Timeframe between consumption and reaction onset.
  • Medications used for treatment.
  • Need for further medical care and details of doctor or hospital if applicable.
• Product Information:
  • Purchase date.
  • Label codes like lot number, expiration date, and UPC code.
  • Photos of the product, label, ingredient list, and lot code if possible.

Consumer reports of adverse events are invaluable for the FDA to identify problematic food allergy foods and enhance consumer protection.