Food allergies and intolerances

We explain the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance, and highlight the 14 most common food allergens

Bread roll with sesame seeds ontop

Food allergies

If someone is allergic to something, simply taking it off their plate isn’t enough. Even a tiny trace of the food they are allergic to can be serious. 

A food allergy is when the body's immune system reacts unusually to specific foods. That food item is known as the allergen. Most allergic reactions to food are mild, but some can be very serious and life threatening. The only way people can deal with a food allergy is to not eat the foods that make them ill.

You can be allergic to any food. Some food allergies are more likely than others. In the UK, food businesses must tell you if they use any of 14 key allergens in the food and drink they make. This may be provided on a label, spoken or written on a menu.

Food allergies normally make you unwell in a few minutes of eating, touching, smelling, or being near food. 

The symptoms of a food allergy differ from person to person. Find more information on some common symptoms from NHS inform:

Important: anaphylaxis can be a life-threatening condition. Seek medical advice immediately if you think someone is having an anaphylactic reaction. 

Food intolerances

A table with milk, dairy and eggs on it

Food intolerances are more common and are caused by the body being unable to digest certain things e.g. lactose. They are not the same as food allergies, as most do not involve the body’s defence system. 

Food intolerances can make someone feel very ill and affect their health long term. You will usually feel unwell slower than a food allergy, and sometimes it may not be felt until a few hours after you have eaten the food. You could be unwell for hours, even into the next day.

Important: If you think you, or someone close to you, has a food allergy, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Don’t cut food groups out of your diet without medical advice, because you could miss out on important nutrients.

14 key allergens

There are 14 food allergens which, by law, must be highlighted on food labels in the UK, or through information such as menus, chalkboard, shelf label or spoken when used as ingredients in a food product or meal. 

When used in foods that aren’t in packaging, information must be available before buying them, such as on a menu, chalkboard, shelf label or verbally.

While there are 14 allergens that must be highlighted, it’s important to remember that people can be allergic to any food.

Get help and advice with food allergies

Sign up to our alerts service to be kept up-to-date with the latest food allergy notices. This free service lets you know when food products are recalled if they become unsafe to eat. You can select which allergies you want to be told about.

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