Food allergy facts

Discover the basic facts about of food allergy and access the scientific research which underpins this knowledge.

Foods that we commonly eat can cause allergic reactions, for example, cows’ milk, shrimps, peanuts, fruits or vegetables. However, not every reaction to food is an allergic reaction.

Here you can learn more about the differences between food allergic reactions and other reactions to food. Find out more about the extent of the problem, possible causes, prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of food allergy.

We answer these key questions:

• What is food allergy?
• Is food intolerance the same as food allergy?
• How many people have food allergy?
• What causes food allergy?
• Can food allergy be prevented?
• What are the symptoms of food allergy?
• How is food allergy diagnosed?
• Is there a treatment for food allergy?
• Can anything increase the risk of an allergic reaction?
• How does food allergy affect quality of life?
• Which foods cross-react with pollen allergy?
• Which foods cross-react with latex allergy?
• Can you be allergic to food additives?
• Can genetically modified foods cause or prevent allergy?
• Is coeliac disease a food allergy?