An allergic reaction to food is very common and very dangerous. Usually substances that cause allergies (allergens) are found in food and often we do not know. Food allergies usually involve ingested protein. What are the substances in food that might cause allergies?
Find out the ingredients
Manufacturers have been asked to list foods that cause common allergies on packaging labels. That’s why sometimes you find information such as “This product contains soybeans” to inform those who have a nut allergy.
Common allergens are found in food, especially nuts, milk, eggs, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soybeans, and wheat. Certain types of fish, crustaceans, and legume trees must be registered if available.
Food producers are also required to use the term “milk” in products containing casein to inform those who are allergic to milk protein.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the main allergens in food reach more than 90 percent of the substances that make a person have food allergy . To avoid exposure to food allergies, read the label carefully.
Material or even packaging facilities may change. Don’t assume that ingredients that are familiar in food are allergen free. You have to check it to be sure.
When eating out, never eat food that you are not sure is allergen-free. Restaurant employees are usually willing to help you.
Problems arise when many people often do not understand how serious the problem of food allergies. Eating in social situations is very risky for this reason. Unless you know exactly what someone made and how it was prepared, stick to your food
Allergens in foods that might be hidden
It is important to avoid triggering your allergies. Here are some examples from sources in food that might contain allergens.
Milk products
Keep in mind the following if you have a lactose or milk protein allergy and try to avoid it:
- Some tuna brands contain casein
- Some processed meats contain casein
- “Non dairy” products sometimes contain milk ingredients
- Some over-the-counter medicines use milk sugar (lactose) as a filler
Nuts
Peanuts are commonly found in jams, ice cream, cereals, and bread. Beans may also be found in:
- Salad dressing, which may contain peanut oil
- Cooking spices that often contain peanuts
- Candy with nougat
Egg
Eggs or egg protein (albumin) which become allergens are possible in almost all foods including:
- Marshmallow
- Mayones
- Meringue
- Frosting on cake
- Meat products are packaged or processed
- Specific vaccine (ask your doctor for information)
Soy
Like milk and beans, soy is widespread in the food chain. Here are some things to watch out for if you have a soy allergy:
- Packed grill food
- Sauce in the packaging
- Meat substitute
- Edamame (whole peas), tofu, miso, tempeh
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), textured vegetable protein (TVP), lecithin, monodiglyceride
What must be remembered
Since there may be allergens hidden in food, you certainly need extra effort to overcome food allergies.
If you have children who have food allergies, teach other adults who have a responsibility to look after your child on how to recognize signs of a reaction. They must also be taught how to deal with food allergies emergencies. Teachers, school nurses, and other adults who care for your child must receive written instructions, perhaps in the form of an emergency action plan.
