The 9 major food allergens
The FDA recognizes nine major food allergens that must be clearly declared on packaged-food labels. Each overview below covers the allergenic proteins, how reactions develop, symptoms, and the hidden sources to watch for.
Milk (Dairy)
Casein and Whey proteins are the two major allergenic proteins found in milk.
Egg
Egg Yolk and Egg White as Food Allergens in the Human Body
Fish
Fish allergy is a serious IgE-mediated food allergy that occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain fish proteins as…
Crustacean Shellfish
Shellfish allergy is a common IgE-mediated food allergy that occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in…
Tree Nuts
Removed from the FDA list in January 2025: beech nut, butternut, chestnut, chinquapin, coconut, ginkgo, hickory nut, lychee nut, palm nut…
Peanut
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are one of the most common and potent food allergens, capable of triggering severe allergic reactions, including…
Wheat
Wheat allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in wheat (Triticum aestivum). It is distinct from celiac disease and…
Soy
Soy allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in soybeans (Glycine max). It is one of the most common food allergies…
Sesame
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) allergy is a serious IgE-mediated food allergy that is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Sesame is a potent…
Foundations & reference
What is an allergen?
A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies specific proteins in food as harmful and launches an immune response. At the…
Common Food Allergens with Allergenic Component
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), aka Pollen-food Allergy Syndrome
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, is a type of food allergy that occurs in people who are allergic to certain…