The Most Common Food Allergies

According to the FDA, more than 160 foods can cause allergic reactions in people with food allergies. However,  the law identifies the eight most common allergenic foods, from which many other ingredients are derived and which account for 90% of food allergic reactions.

At Allergy Relief Clinics in Richardson, Texas, Dr. Rafiquddin S. Rahimi can help you identify any foods to which you or your child are allergic with allergy testing and help create a plan to minimize symptoms and reduce the risk of a severe reaction. 

The eight food allergens identified by law

There are eight specific allergens identified by law that are subject to food labeling to protect those who are allergic. They are:

1. Milk
2. Eggs
3. Fish (such as bass, flounder, cod)
4. Crustacean shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp)
5. Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans)
6. Peanuts
7. Wheat
8. Soybeans

If you are allergic to one of these foods, you can help protect yourself by reading food labels carefully and asking about ingredients before ordering in restaurants.

Food labeling

By law, packaged foods must have a comprehensive ingredient label that includes any allergens. If the label includes the name of an allergen, the requirement is met, but if the food contains a derivative of a food, the ingredient must be clarified. For example:

• If a packaged food contains soybeans, and “soybeans” is listed as an ingredient, the requirement is met.
• If a package contains “hydrolyzed vegetable protein” which is made of soybeans, the label must typically add “(soy)” after the ingredient name OR “Contains Soy” after the ingredient list.

This allows consumers to review ingredients easily and learn if one of the eight major allergens is included.

Recognizing an allergic reaction to food

The most common food allergies present in one of three ways:

• Stomach upset: Allergies to grains and dairy often cause stomach upset, including diarrhea.
• Hives: This can be a sudden rash appearing on the face, neck, back, chest, and/or arms, or large lumps like insect bites or stings.
• Anaphylaxis: The most concerning and dangerous allergic reaction, a closing airway is most commonly associated with shellfish and nuts.

If you or your child experiences the first, treatment for upset stomach followed by testing for allergies or eliminating a suspect food can be the solution. The second type of reaction may require administration of antihistamines and should prompt food allergy testing. The last can be life-threatening, and indicates the need for immediate medical treatment followed by testing and the prescription for an EpiPen® in case of future reactions.

Worried about allergic reactions to food? Contact Allergy Relief Clinics at 972-435-0338 or by booking an appointment online.