What Are the 12 Food Allergens?

Generally, food allergens cause mild reactions; however, in some cases, they can be life-threatening.

Food allergies are common in adults and children. These allergies occur when the immune system treats food as an invader and launches a fight against it, resulting in allergies.

Studies have identified over 160 foods as allergenic.

The FDA Congress passed the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, which identified eight major food allergens:

1. Milk
2. Eggs
3. Fish
4. Crustacean shellfish
5. Tree nuts
6. Peanuts
7. Wheat
8. Soybeans

Common symptoms of food allergies

These allergies can be mild or life-threatening. If someone has food allergies, they may carry emergency injectables like epinephrine.

Common symptoms include:

• Skin rashes
• Swelling of the tongue
• Sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Stomach upset
• Hives
• Diarrhea

These allergens cause the immune system to fight against them. They can develop at any stage but are often seen in kids or young adults.

12 most common food allergens

1. Milk:
2. Milk is the most common allergen, especially in babies. Most babies outgrow this allergy, but some carry it into adulthood. Lactose intolerance is different from an allergy.
3. Symptoms are usually mild, such as bloating and stomach upset, but can cause anaphylaxis in some cases.
4. There are many milk substitutes available.
5. Peanuts or ground nuts:
6. Peanuts and peanut-containing products can cause severe allergies.
7. Even tiny amounts can trigger extreme reactions and anaphylaxis.
8. Eggs:
9. Eggs are a common allergen, especially in children. Most children outgrow this allergy.
10. Common symptoms include skin rashes, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
11. Egg substitutes can be used.
12. Shellfish:
13. Shellfish allergies are different from fish allergies.
14. Common symptoms include hives, running nose, and congestion.
15. Soy:
16. Allergies to soy are less common.
17. Avoid soybeans, soy sauce, and other soy products.
18. Symptoms are less severe compared to other allergens.
19. Tree nuts:
20. Nuts are often linked to anaphylaxis.
21. Common symptoms include cramps, itching, and breathing problems.
22. Tree nuts and nut oils can trigger this allergy.
23. Wheat:
24. Wheat is a common allergen in children.
25. Symptoms include swelling, itching, and breathing problems.
26. Fish:
27. Fish allergies affect both children and adults.
28. Reactions to fish can cause life-threatening allergies.
29. Common symptoms include throat irritation, nausea, and diarrhea.
30. Corn:
31. Corn allergies are less common.
32. Common symptoms include vomiting, hives, and nausea.
33. Sesame seeds:
34. About 0.3 percent of children are allergic to sesame seeds.
35. Symptoms include hives, swelling, and throat irritation.
36. Mustard:
37. Mustard is a serious allergen.
38. Approximately one percent of children are allergic to mustard.
39. It can cause various complications.
40. Celery:
41. About six percent of the general population is allergic to celery.
42. Common symptoms include mouth irritation and nettlerash.