Food Allergies

A food allergy, or hypersensitivity, is an abnormal response to a food that is triggered by the immune system. True food allergies affect a relatively small percentage of people, but it is extremely important for people who have true food allergies to prevent those allergic reactions because these reactions can cause devastating illness and, in some cases, be fatal.

Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, there are eight foods that account for 90% of all food-allergic reactions: eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts (which include almonds, macadamias, pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, Brazils, pine nuts, chestnuts, and pistachios), fish and shellfish, commonly referred to as the Big 8 here in the US. Canada includes sulfites and sesame seeds, the European Union adds celery/celeriac and mustard, and in Japan they add buckwheat and highly recommend listing items such as oranges, crab, kiwifruit, beef, poultry, pork, mushrooms, peaches, yams, apples and gelatin.

Whew. I think I'm allergic to allergen lists.

This week, a look at food allergy myths versus facts.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "There is one piece of advice, in a life of study, which I think no one will object to; and that is, every now and then to be completely idle - to do nothing at all." - Sydney Smith (English essayist, 1771 - 1845)

(scroll over or click on iPaper below to have a drop-down menu that includes a print option)Food Allergies - Just the Facts