Food hypersensitivity is the umbrella term used to describe food allergies and food intolerances that affect a small but significant number of people all over the world. Food allergies involve an excessive immune response to a specific antigen. A food intolerance is typically not mediated by the immune system but may, for example, be caused by an enzyme deficiency.
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The vast majority of people are able to consume foods and beverages of choice without undue concern over their safety. However, a small but significant proportion of the population have to pay particular attention to the ingredients in all foods and beverages they consume, even inadvertently, because of the risk of serious health consequences. While many food types can cause food allergies or intolerances, only a relatively small number are responsible for the more common food allergies and intolerances.
Food hypersensitivity is the umbrella term used to describe food allergies and food intolerances that affect a small but significant number of people all over the world.
Allergy
An allergy is a condition caused by an excessive immune response in susceptible people who inhale, ingest or otherwise come into contact with particular substances (allergens). For example, hay fever is the result of an immune response to exposure to certain plant pollen grains. Some people suffer hyper-immune reactions to bee stings, animal dander, dust, skin contact with latex gloves or as a result of the administration of antibiotics or anaesthetics.
Food allergies
Food allergies are a significant food safety concern because everybody requires nutrition and ensuring that a non-allergenic food has not come into contact with an allergenic food can be difficult. Busy kitchens or factories producing different types of food are not sterile environments and despite having procedures and processes in place, it can be difficult to prevent cross-contact with certain regularly used food allergens like milk or egg.
True or False?
Most people do not suffer from a food allergy.
true
A food intolerance is the same as an allergy.
false
Prepacked foods that display a list of ingredients must highlight all of the 14 regulated allergens they contain.
true
Many children will outgrow their allergy to milk or eggs.
true
Coeliac disease is a sensitivity to gluten – a protein found in many cereals and cereal products.
true
Lactose intolerance is an allergy.
true
Allergic reactions are always caused by food.
false
A chronic condition is one that lasts for just a short time.
false
In certain individuals, anaphylaxis can be caused by minute traces of particular allergens – even as dust.
true
Peanuts are the leading cause of food-related anaphylaxis, accounting for over 50% of all cases.
true
It is estimated that food allergies and intolerances occur in between 3% and 4 % of the European population.
true
