Food allergies are a significant health concern, affecting millions worldwide. While there’s ongoing research into treatments, currently, there is no cure. The primary way to manage food allergies and prevent severe reactions is through careful medical diagnosis to pinpoint the specific trigger foods and strict avoidance of these foods.
Understanding Major Food Allergens
While an extensive list of foods can potentially 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. These are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish (such as bass, flounder, and cod)
- Crustacean shellfish (including crab, lobster, and shrimp)
- Tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
It’s important to note that in 2021, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act added sesame to this list, officially recognizing it as the 9th major food allergen in the U.S., effective from January 1, 2023. Although sesame is now legally recognized, you might still encounter food products that are yet to update their labels.
The Importance of Allergen Labeling
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for enforcing FALCPA regulations on food labeling for all foods they regulate, excluding poultry, most meats, certain egg products, and most alcoholic beverages (which are overseen by other federal agencies). FALCPA mandates that food labels clearly state the source of any ingredient that is one of the major food allergens or contains protein derived from them. Accurate labeling is crucial for individuals with allergies to safely identify and avoid foods that could cause reactions.
How to Identify Major Food Allergens on Labels
FALCPA provides clear guidelines on how major food allergens must be listed on food labels. This is achieved in two primary ways:
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Parenthetical Declaration: The allergen’s food source name can be listed in parentheses immediately following the ingredient name in the ingredient list. For example: “lecithin (soy),” “flour (wheat),” or “whey (milk).”
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“Contains” Statement: Alternatively, the allergen’s food source name can be declared in a “Contains” statement placed directly after or next to the ingredient list. For example: “Contains Wheat, Milk, and Soy.”
Recognizing Food Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of a food allergy can manifest in various ways after consuming an allergenic food, typically ranging from a few minutes to a couple of hours after ingestion. It’s important to remember that symptoms can differ in presentation and severity from person to person and even reaction to reaction, influenced by factors such as the amount of allergen consumed.
Common symptoms of food allergies can include:
- Hives (itchy, raised patches of skin)
- Skin flushing or rash
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or lips
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Coughing or wheezing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Swelling of the throat and vocal cords, leading to difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of consciousness
The Seriousness of Food Allergies: Anaphylaxis
While many food allergy symptoms are mild, causing discomfort primarily to the skin or digestive system, some reactions can escalate into a severe, potentially life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis can result in:
- Constriction of airways in the lungs, making breathing extremely difficult
- A sharp drop in blood pressure leading to shock, termed “anaphylactic shock”
- Suffocation due to swelling in the throat and larynx
If you suspect you are experiencing an allergic reaction after eating a food, especially if you have a known allergy:
- Immediately stop eating the suspected food.
- Assess the need for emergency treatment, particularly if you have epinephrine auto-injectors prescribed.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
Anaphylaxis symptoms can initially appear mild but can rapidly become life-threatening if left untreated. Early recognition of anaphylaxis and prompt administration of epinephrine, followed by professional medical care, are crucial to prevent severe outcomes. It is vital to understand that even a seemingly mild allergic reaction can potentially progress to anaphylaxis. Individuals with known allergies should always be vigilant about monitoring symptoms and seek medical assistance when needed.
Immediate Actions for Allergic Reactions
If symptoms arise after eating specific foods, it may indicate a food allergy. It’s crucial to avoid the suspected food(s) and consult a healthcare provider for proper allergy testing and evaluation.
For individuals and families managing food allergies, these four key steps can significantly reduce the risk of allergic reactions:
- Always scrutinize food labels. Carefully read ingredient lists every time you purchase or consume a food product.
- Strictly avoid foods you are allergic to. Eliminate allergens from your diet and be mindful of cross-contamination risks during food preparation.
- Learn to identify early allergy symptoms. Recognize the signs of a reaction to act quickly in case of accidental ingestion.
- Know what to do in an allergic emergency. Develop a clear action plan, ensure access to necessary medications like epinephrine, and know how to seek immediate medical help.
Reporting Adverse Reactions and Labeling Issues
If you or a family member experiences an allergic reaction to an FDA-regulated food, particularly if you suspect unclear labeling or undeclared allergens, discuss the incident with your healthcare provider. Retain the food packaging as it may contain vital information. Consider contacting the food manufacturer directly.
To officially report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can reach out to the FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance program.
When submitting a report to the FDA, provide as much detail as possible, including:
- Contact information for the person reporting and the affected individual (names, addresses, phone numbers).
- Details of where the product was purchased (store name and address).
- A comprehensive description of the reaction:
- The date of the reaction.
- All symptoms experienced.
- The time elapsed between consuming the product and the onset of symptoms.
- Any medications used to alleviate symptoms.
- Whether medical care was required and, if so, the type of care received (provide doctor or hospital contact information).
- A complete product description:
- Purchase date.
- Any identifying codes on the label or container, such as lot numbers, expiration dates, and UPC codes.
- Photos of the product, label, ingredient list, and lot code.
Consumer reports are invaluable to the FDA in identifying problematic products and enhancing consumer safety. By reporting your experiences, you contribute to a safer food environment for everyone.
