1. Food Allergies A food allergy: abnormal response to a food, triggered by the body’s immune system. Reactions to food can range from mild to life- threatening. Food allergies generally develop early in life but can develop at any age.

2. What Foods Most Commonly Cause Allergic Reactions?

3. 8 Major Food Allergens Milk Eggs Peanuts Tree nuts Soy Wheat Fish Shellfish Most children eventually outgrow milk, egg, soy, and wheat allergy. If someone has food allergy, he or she is more likely to have asthma or eczema.

4. Myth or Fact? Food allergies are uncommon.

5. Answer: Myth As many as 15 million people in the U.S. have food allergies, including approximately 6 million children.

6. SYMPTOMS If you are allergic to a particular food, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms: Itching in your mouth or swelling GI symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps and pain Hives or eczema Tightening of the throat and trouble breathing Drop in blood pressure

7. Planning Meals for Individuals With Food Allergies Because food allergies can be life threatening, the allergy-producing food must be completely avoided. The FDA requires that ingredients are listed on food labels. Look at the label listings to determine the presence of any allergens. Most life-threatening allergic reactions occur when eating occurs away from home. It is important to plan to eat at a restaurant which caters to special dietary requests.