What Is A Food Allergy?

Food allergies are rare and happen when a harmless food is wrongly interpreted by the immune system as being harmful. The symptoms of allergy such as tingling lips and rashes are a result of the immune system attacking the food. In some cases the reaction is severe, and affected individuals must avoid the problem food.

Common Food Allergens

While any food can trigger an allergic reaction, Health Canada identifies nine priority food allergens. They are:

1. Peanuts
2. Tree nuts
3. Sesame seeds
4. Eggs
5. Fish (including shellfish and crustaceans)
6. Milk
7. Soy
8. Wheat
9. Sulphites

Allergic Reactions To Food

Allergic reactions may be identified by a variety of symptoms. They include:

• Respiratory: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, voice changes and choking.
• Nasal: sneezing, blocked nose and runny nose.
• Digestive: diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or problems swallowing.
• Skin:  hives, swelling of the face or tongue, itching or eczema.
• Eyes: itchiness, redness, watery eyes and swelling.
• Cardiovascular: pale skin, dizziness or loss of consciousness.

Food intolerance

Food intolerance covers non-allergic problems with foods. There are many reasons why certain individuals cannot tolerate foods or food components.

NOTE: Egg white is highly allergenic and shouldn't be given to babies under one year. Only offer egg yolk to your baby before that age.

Who is at risk?

Some families are more prone to food allergies than others and are described as atopic. This means they are more likely to develop conditions such as asthma or eczema. However, being in an atopic family doesn't automatically mean that your baby will be affected, but it does mean that the risk of developing an allergy is greater.

Advice for babies in an atopic family

• Breastfeed for six months or longer.
• Wait until your baby is at least 12 months before introducing foods which commonly cause allergies such as cow's milk, eggs, wheat, nuts and shellfish.
• Always consult with your healthcare professional before making a feeding change.

If you suspect your baby has a food intolerance or allergy, talk to your healthcare professional right away.

Never put a baby on a restricted diet without your healthcare professional's diagnosis and advice as cutting out foods such as milk or wheat could mean your baby misses out on important nutrients.

Click here for a list of all Heinz products containing allergenic sensitive ingredients.