Did you know food allergies affect approximately 15 million Americans? If you’re one of the many individuals or parents of children with food allergies, you are not alone. If you’re newly diagnosed or know someone who has just been diagnosed, it is important to know and learn the basics about food allergens early and quickly.

1. FACTS ABOUT
An immune system response
to a food that the body
mistakenly believes as harmful
ITCHY MOUTH
AMERICANS
15 MILLION
approximately
5.9 MILLION
including
W I T H M O R E T H A N 1 7 0 F O O D S K N O W N T O
C A U S E A L L E R G I C R E A C T I O N S
If you or someone you know is having an
allergic reaction, seek medical treatment
immediately. Call 911.
WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?
MILD & HARMLESS
ALLERGIC REACTIONS RANGE FROM:
SEVERE & FATAL
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
FOOD ALLERGIES AFFECT:
HIVES
THROAT
TIGHTENING
DIFFICULTY
BREATHING
CHILDREN
8 MOST COMMON FOOD ALLERGIES:
PEANUTS TREE NUTS MILK
WHEAT SHELLFISH
EGG
SOY
PAST REACTIONS DO NOT PREDICT
FUTURE REACTIONS
CURRENTLY, THERE IS NO CURE
Someone can have a life-threatening reaction to a food
allergy, even though they’ve never had a serious one before
Effective meal planning and
avoidance of food allergens along
with education are the only ways
to prevent an allergic reaction
FOOD ALLERGIES
FISH
www.foodallergy.org
www.fda.org
SOURCES:
LEARN MORE AT WWW.FOODINSIGHT.ORG
@FoodInsight Food Insight @FoodInsight