Many different foods can cause an allergic reaction, but 9 foods in particular are responsible for 90% of allergenic reactions and are classified by law as “major food allergens.” It is important to be aware of what these 9 food allergens are and what dishes they appear in to avoid your customers suffering from a severe allergic reaction. We will be going over these 9 food allergens and where they appear and could be hidden, as well as the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

As August turns into September every school-aged child begins to think, and probably worry about, if their friends will still be friends, if the course material will be too challenging, if their teachers will be nice, or if they’ll make that sports team they’ve been planning on trying out for.

Wheat allergies are sometimes mistaken for celiac disease, but these are very different conditions, in both the cause as well as the reaction and symptoms. Learn more about celiac disease and wheat allergies, and their differences.

The snow is melting, temperatures are warming, and summer is on its way. But spring also brings with it itching, sneezing, and watery eyes for those who struggle with allergies. It’s no secret that spring can be quite a pain. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. Prescription drugs or over-the-counter meds help, but can be quite expensive.

Food allergies are extremely common and seem to be more prevalent as time goes on. More than 107 foods are known to trigger allergic reactions.  According to the Food Allergy Research and Education website, the 8 major food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and crustacean shellfish. Research suggests that around 32 million Americans have food allergies and about 40% of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food.

When it comes to school, every child begins to worry about whether the course material will be too challenging, if their teachers will be nice, or if they’ll make that sports team they’re trying out for. However, for kids with food allergies, these concerns only add to their concerns over their food allergies. They’re wondering if everyone in their class knows not to bring peanut products, if the lunchroom staff knows they can’t have eggs, or if the teachers know that food treats can be life-threatening.

One in thirteen children is diagnosed with a life-threatening food allergy. With allergies in children increased from 1997 to 2011 by 50% according to Food Allergy Research and Education, there are no signs that this will slow in the coming years. Foodservice industries, schools, and parents are attempting to track the different allergies and symptoms to prevent a vicious reaction.