Food allergens are typically naturally-occurring proteins in foods or derivatives of them that cause abnormal immune responses. It has been estimated that 15 million people suffer from this condition, out of which 6 million are children accounting for approximately eight per cent. According to Centre for Disease control and prevention (CDC) , the disturbing trend is that food allergies increased by 50% during 1997 to 2011 among children.The most common allergens for young children are milk and egg but, fortunately, many children outgrow these allergies by the time they have reached 5-7 years of age. On the other hand, allergies such as those to seafood, peanut and tree nut may develop later and are lifelong conditions.
Practically all foods can cause an allergic reaction in a person who has become sensitised to proteins in it but the reactions are insignificant.Allergic reactions to foods vary greatly from mild gastrointestinal discomfort,....
