Food Allergy, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

This video explains food allergies, including common allergens, symptoms, and management strategies. Learn about the differences between food allergies, intolerances, and poisoning, and discover how to handle severe reactions like anaphylaxis, including the use of epinephrine and medical alert jewelry.

Understanding Food Allergies (4:55)

 

Understanding Major Food Allergens

Food allergies can vary widely, but the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) identifies eight major food allergens:

  1. Milk
  2. Eggs
  3. Fish
  4. Crustacean Shellfish
  5. Tree Nuts
  6. Peanuts
  7. Wheat
  8. Soybeans
  9. Sesame

As of January 1, 2023, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act added sesame to the list of major food allergens, bringing the total to nine. This change requires sesame to be listed on food labels as an allergen.

Despite this new requirement, you may still encounter products on the market that do not yet list sesame as an allergen, as some products may be sold with older labels.

Staying informed about these allergens and label updates is essential for ensuring food safety and accommodating individuals with food allergies.

Recognizing and Managing Food Allergy Reactions

Food allergies can trigger a range of symptoms, which may vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the quantity of allergen consumed. Symptoms may appear within minutes to hours after eating the allergenic food.