Our body can often be allergic to the various types of foods present in our foods. An allergic reaction is typically a negative reaction to such proteins present in our diet. The usual response of the body towards such proteins is nausea, rashes and headaches. In extreme cases, anaphylaxis can occur and a person may die because of lack of oxygen.
Common allergens in foods are the cause of almost ninety percent of the allergic reactions. Most of the times, people are not aware that they are allergic to particular food items. Here is a list of eight of the most common allergens in foods.
- Though many people often claim they are allergic to fish, they are in fact allergic to shellfish. Shellfish allergies rarely affect adults. However, they are common in children.
- A lot of children may be allergic to the proteins in eggs. The protein present in the albumin of the egg is not easily digested. Most children grow out of their allergies. However, there are those who have allergy from egg even in adulthood. Some people however, are allergic to the half cooked eggs and not the fully cooked ones.
- Some other common allergens in foods are nuts. A lot of people all over the world are allergic to nuts. Unfortunately, unlike other food allergens, nut allergy can also be airborne. The particles of nuts can get airborne and affect the allergic person even from a considerable distance. Peanuts have been seen as the most common allergens in foods.
- Some people may develop an allergic reaction to soy. Peanuts and other legumes are forms of soy. Peas, tofu and other soy preparations can also be harmful for those who are allergic to soy foods.
- Apart from shellfish, there is a very small percentage of people who are also allergic to other kinds of fish. This is one allergy that one is not able to outgrow. The protein present in fish can cause an allergic reaction in certain people. In fact even consumption of the gelatin made from fish by products can cause allergic reactions.
- Gluten, a kind of protein found in wheat is also a common cause of food allergies. Gluten is also present in many other cereals like rye, barley and oats.
Food Allergy Warnings Confusing People
Accidental-Food allergy warnings are confusing people as they are vague and unspecific. These warnings indicate that a particular food product may accidentally contain the wrong product. Here are some examples of the warnings:
- Might have Traces of X
- Manufactured in the same factory as X
- Made in the same facility as X
In 2006, a U.S. law required foods to disclose in simple language if they intentionally contained allergenic ingredients such as peanuts, gluten etc. On the other hand, Accidental food allergy warnings indicate that a food might contain wrong ingredients accidentally.
According to Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, there are about 30 different ways these warnings are presented. The warning on a food product may sound frightening than others. This causes people to assume a particular food is more risky than others.
Food allergy warnings should be more meaningful, so that the consumer would be able to decide whether to buy the product or not. Making all the foods at home may be the solution for food allergies; however, this may not be practical.
Steps taken by the Authorities to Clear the Confusion over Food Allergy Warnings:
Here are the following steps taken by the authorities to clear the confusion over food allergy warnings:
- On September 16, The Food and Drug Administration will ask questions regarding the confusion over food allergy warnings, at public hearing. The FDA considers this as 1st step in developing “long term strategy” to minimize confusions
- Grocery Manufacturers of America are formulating guidelines on food allergy warnings and has been working on it for over 1 year
- Health officials of U.S. and Canada are discussing about setting standards for food allergy warnings
- Canadian authorities are advising food manufacturers to clarify the food allergy warnings. Food products should contain one of the two labels: “Not suitable for consumption by persons who are allergic to X” or “May contain allergen X”
The FDA has acknowledged that advisory labeling may not be protecting the health of allergic consumers. Also, Canadian authorities say that accidental-health allergy warnings are misleading consumers. Hence, these authorities are taking steps to make the food allergy warnings more meaningful and reliable.
Accidental food-allergy warnings are vague and can be misleading. People should not ignore these warnings. Until the allergy warnings become more specific, people should be alert by reading labels and warnings carefully.
