Allergens

A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a protein in a food. Reactions range from relatively mild symptoms, such as hives or swelling, to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Food allergy is different from food intolerance, which does not involve the same immune mechanism.

U.S. law recognizes nine major food allergens: milk, egg, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Sesame became the ninth major allergen effective January 1, 2023. People with diagnosed food allergies should avoid their allergens and carefully read food labels.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Food Allergies: What You Need to Know — FDA

FDA consumer guide to the nine major food allergens, symptoms, labeling and avoidance.

Food Allergies — FDA

FDA’s main food-allergy portal, including labeling, recalls and regulatory information.

Have Food Allergies? Read the Label — FDA

Practical guidance on how major allergens must be declared on most FDA-regulated packaged foods.

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