Understanding Common Food Allergies: Symptoms, Major Allergens, and Management

Food allergies are a significant health concern, affecting millions worldwide. While research continues to explore new treatments, currently there is no cure. Identifying food allergies through medical diagnosis and strictly avoiding allergenic foods remain critical steps in preventing adverse health reactions. This article provides essential information about Common Food Allergies, their symptoms, major allergens, and how to manage them effectively.

What Are the 9 Major Food Allergens You Should Know?

While over 170 foods can cause allergic reactions, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) initially identified eight foods as major food allergens in the United States. Recognizing the growing prevalence of sesame allergies, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021 added sesame as the 9th major food allergen. These nine foods account for the vast majority of serious food allergy reactions. Being aware of these common food allergens is the first step in protecting yourself or your loved ones.

Here are the 9 major food allergens:

1. Milk: Often a childhood allergy, but can persist into adulthood.
2. Eggs: Another common childhood allergy that individuals may outgrow.
3. Fish: Includes various types of fish like bass, flounder, and cod.
4. Crustacean Shellfish: Examples include crab, lobster, and shrimp.
5. Tree Nuts: A diverse category including almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews.
6. Peanuts: Technically legumes, but often grouped with tree nuts due to similar allergy profiles.
7. Wheat: An allergy to wheat is different from celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
8. Soybeans: Used in many processed foods, making it a common hidden allergen.
9. Sesame: The most recently recognized major allergen, found in various cuisines and products.

Understanding these major food allergens is crucial for individuals with allergies and for food manufacturers in ensuring proper labeling.

Navigating Food Labels for Allergens

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a vital role in enforcing FALCPA, ensuring that packaged foods under their regulation are accurately labeled for allergens. This includes most foods except for poultry, certain meats, some egg products, and most alcoholic beverages, which are overseen by other federal agencies. FALCPA mandates that food labels clearly state the source of any major food allergen ingredient or any protein derived from a major food allergen. This labeling requirement empowers consumers with food allergies to make informed choices and avoid potential allergens.

Deciphering Allergen Information on Food Packaging

FALCPA provides clear guidelines on how major food allergens must be listed on food labels. Manufacturers must declare the food source name of any major allergen used in their products. This is achieved in two primary ways:

1. Parenthetical Declaration: The allergen’s food source is listed in parentheses directly after the ingredient name in the ingredient list. For example: “lecithin (soy),” “flour (wheat),” or “whey (milk).” This method is used when the common name of the ingredient itself doesn’t clearly indicate the allergen source.

2. “Contains” Statement: Alternatively, or in addition to parenthetical declaration, a “Contains” statement is placed immediately after or adjacent to the ingredient list. This statement explicitly lists all major food allergens present in the product. For example: “Contains Wheat, Milk, and Soy.”

By utilizing these labeling methods, food manufacturers help consumers quickly identify potential allergens and make safe food choices. Always carefully review food labels, even for familiar products, as ingredients and manufacturing processes can change.

Recognizing Food Allergy Symptoms: What to Watch For

Food allergy symptoms can manifest in various ways and can differ from person to person and reaction to reaction. The severity of symptoms can also be influenced by factors such as the amount of allergen consumed. Symptoms typically appear within minutes to a couple of hours after ingesting the allergenic food.

Common symptoms of food allergies (allergic reactions) include:

• Skin Reactions: Hives, flushed skin or rash, eczema worsening.
• Oral Symptoms: Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea.
• Respiratory Problems: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, throat tightness.
• Cardiovascular Symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, drop in blood pressure.
• Other Symptoms: Swelling of the throat and vocal cords, difficulty breathing.

It is important to note that symptoms can range from mild to severe. Even seemingly mild symptoms should be taken seriously, as any allergic reaction has the potential to escalate.

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction

While many food allergy symptoms are mild, some reactions can progress to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.

Anaphylaxis can lead to:

• Airway Constriction: Narrowing of the airways in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
• Severe Blood Pressure Drop and Shock (Anaphylactic Shock): A rapid and dangerous decrease in blood pressure.
• Suffocation: Swelling of the throat and larynx, obstructing airflow.

If you suspect anaphylaxis or are experiencing severe symptoms after consuming a food allergen:

• Stop eating the food immediately.
• Use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if prescribed and available.
• Call for emergency medical help immediately (911 in the US).

Even if symptoms initially appear mild, anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and become life-threatening within minutes. Prompt recognition of symptoms and immediate action, including epinephrine injection and emergency medical care, are crucial. Remember, any allergic reaction carries the risk of anaphylaxis, and individuals with known food allergies should always be vigilant and prepared.

Taking Action When Food Allergy Symptoms Arise

If you experience symptoms after eating certain foods, it may indicate a food allergy. It is essential to avoid the suspected food(s) and consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and allergy testing.

Four Key Steps to Reduce Risk and Manage Food Allergies:

1. Always Read Food Labels: Carefully check ingredient lists and “Contains” statements every time you purchase or consume a food product.
2. Avoid Your Allergen Foods: Strict avoidance is the primary way to prevent allergic reactions. Be mindful of cross-contamination in food preparation and dining out.
3. Recognize Early Allergy Symptoms: Learn to identify the signs of an allergic reaction, even mild ones, for prompt intervention.
4. Know What to Do in Case of a Reaction: Develop an allergy action plan with your healthcare provider, including instructions for epinephrine use and emergency contact information. Always have epinephrine readily available if prescribed.

Reporting Food Allergy Reactions and Labeling Issues

If you or a family member experiences an allergic reaction to an FDA-regulated food or encounter unclear labeling or potential allergen issues, discuss it with your healthcare provider. Retain any food packaging, as it may contain valuable information for investigation. Consider contacting the manufacturer to report your reaction.

To officially report a complaint or adverse event (illness or severe allergic reaction) related to food, you can visit the FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance page. Providing detailed information in your report is crucial for the FDA to identify and address potential problems effectively.

Information to include in your report:

• Reporter and Affected Individual Information: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of both the person reporting and the person who experienced the reaction.
• Product Purchase Details: Name and address of the store where the product was bought.
• Reaction Description:
  • Date of the reaction.
  • Specific symptoms experienced.
  • Time elapsed between consumption and reaction onset.
  • Medications used for treatment.
  • Need for further medical care (and details if applicable, including doctor/hospital contact information).
• Product Description:
  • Purchase date.
  • Any identifying codes on packaging (lot number, expiration date, UPC code).
  • Photos of the product, label, ingredient list, and lot code.

Consumer reports are invaluable in helping the FDA monitor food safety, identify potentially problematic products, and enhance consumer protection related to food allergies. By reporting your experiences, you contribute to a safer food environment for everyone.