Key Takeaways
- Big Nine allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame
- Sesame was added as the 9th allergen on January 1, 2023
- Food allergies can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Many allergens are hidden in unexpected foods
- Allergy (immune response) is different from intolerance (digestive response)
4.1 The Big Nine Allergens
Food allergies can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. As a food handler, you must understand allergens and how to prevent cross-contact.
What Is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is an immune system response to a specific protein in food. Unlike food intolerance (which causes discomfort), a true food allergy can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of allergic reaction:
- Hives, rash, or itching
- Swelling of lips, tongue, throat
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness or fainting
- Anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening)
The Big Nine Allergens
As of January 1, 2023 (FASTER Act), nine allergens must be clearly labeled:
| Allergen | Common Sources |
|---|---|
| 1. Milk | Butter, cheese, cream, yogurt, whey, casein |
| 2. Eggs | Mayonnaise, meringue, some pasta, baked goods |
| 3. Fish | Anchovies, bass, cod, salmon, sauces (Worcestershire) |
| 4. Crustacean Shellfish | Crab, lobster, shrimp, crawfish |
| 5. Tree Nuts | Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts |
| 6. Peanuts | Peanut butter, peanut oil, many sauces |
| 7. Wheat | Bread, pasta, crackers, flour, soy sauce |
| 8. Soybeans | Tofu, soy sauce, miso, many processed foods |
| 9. Sesame | Sesame seeds, tahini, hummus, some breads |
For the Exam: Sesame was added as the 9th allergen on January 1, 2023. Previous versions only had the "Big Eight."
Hidden Allergens
Many allergens are found in unexpected foods:
| Allergen | Hidden In |
|---|---|
| Milk | Caesar dressing, chocolate, deli meats |
| Eggs | Salad dressings, some pastas, fried foods (batter) |
| Peanuts | Chili, egg rolls, some sauces |
| Wheat | Soy sauce, beer, processed meats |
| Soy | Vegetable broth, canned tuna, cereal |
| Fish | Caesar dressing, Worcestershire sauce |
Allergy vs. Intolerance
| Allergy | Intolerance |
|---|---|
| Immune system response | Digestive system response |
| Can be life-threatening | Causes discomfort, not usually dangerous |
| Even tiny amounts trigger | Usually dose-dependent |
| Examples: Peanut, shellfish allergies | Examples: Lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity |
How many major food allergens are required to be labeled under the FASTER Act (2023)?
Which allergen was MOST RECENTLY added to the major allergens list?
What is the main difference between a food allergy and food intolerance?