A food allergen is a protein or protein fragment in a food that causes the immune  system to react negatively.  When a person has a food allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies certain food proteins as harmful. This triggers the release of chemicals like histamine, causing symptoms. 

Common Food Allergens: 

The most frequent cause of food allergies are: 

• Milk 

• Eggs 

• Peanuts/ Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) 

• Fish 

• Shellfish (example crab, lobster, prawn) 

• Wheat 

• Soy 

• Sesame

Symptoms of Food Allergy:

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and include: 

• Tingling or swelling of the mouth, throat or other areas 

• Hives or rash 

• Cramps, vomiting or diarrhea 

• Difficulty Breathing 

• Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening reaction that can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and requires immediate medical treatment with adrenaline. 

Managing Food Allergies 

• Dietary Avoidance : Carefully avoiding the specific allergen is the primary way to manage a food allergy. 

• Read Labels: Always check ingredients labels on food products, as ingredients can change. 

• Cross-contamination: Be aware of potential cross-contamination during food production and handling. 

• Medical supervision: Dietary changes and management of food allergies should be done under the supervision of a medical professional or dietitian.