Food
The foods behind most allergic reactions in the US, and how US labels name them. 10 guides, each with its sources.
MilkCow’s milk is one of the most common food allergens in young children. A milk allergy is an immune reaction, not lactose intolerance, and US labels must name milk.EggEgg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in young children, and most outgrow it. Eggs are a major allergen that US food labels must name.PeanutPeanut allergy is the most common food allergy in children and is usually lifelong. Peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts, and US labels must name them.Tree nutsTree nut allergy, to nuts such as walnut, cashew and almond, is common and usually lifelong. US labels must name the specific nut, and coconut is no longer on FDA’s list.TriticumWheatWheat allergy is an immune reaction to wheat proteins, most common in young children. It is not celiac disease, and US labels must name wheat.SoySoy is one of the nine major food allergens in the US. The allergy is most common in babies and young children, and soy turns up in many processed foods.FishFinned fish such as salmon, tuna and cod are one of the nine major food allergens in the US. The allergy often first appears in adults.ShellfishCrustacean shellfish such as shrimp, crab and lobster are a major food allergen under US law. Mollusks such as clams and oysters are not.Sesamum indicumSesameSesame became the ninth major food allergen in the US in 2023. Labels must now name it, even when it is part of a spice blend or natural flavor.BananaBanana allergy is tied to latex allergy and to ragweed pollen in some people. It is not one of the nine major food allergens covered by US allergen labeling rules.