Allergens

Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body's immune system. Allergic reactions to food can sometimes cause serious illness and death. The foods that most often trigger allergic reactions are:

• Fish and shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts, such as walnuts
• Eggs

Sign Up for Food Allergy Alerts

If you or a member of your family has a food allergy, getting an alert about a product that contains an allergen can be a life-saver. Now, you can get automatic notification of food allergy alerts issued by the FDA. Sign-up for allergy alerts by email Subscribe to the allergy alert newsfeed

Understanding Food Allergy (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) Excellent introduction to food allergies including:

• Quick Facts
• What Is Food Allergy?
• Food Allergy or Food Intolerance?
• Diagnosis
• Treatment

Food Allergy (NIH MedlinePlus)
Trusted health information on causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Food Allergens (FDA)
Information on allergens and labeling for consumers and industry.

Food Allergies: What You Need to Know (FDA)
Consumer overview of food allergies, including the 8 foods that most often trigger allergic reactions, symptoms, labeling, and serious reactions (anaphylactic shock).

Food Allergies: Reducing the Risk (FDA)
Tips to help prevent allergic reactions and details on the difference between food allergies and food intolerance.
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