Ropecount - Lesser-known food allergens

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, but many official allergen lists haven't been updated in years. For example, the European Union mandates that 14 food allergens be labeled on products, but this is based on data from 2011. Currently, approximately one in seven fatal allergic reactions appears to be caused by potential allergens not listed on product packaging. Therefore, researchers believe that these policies are in urgent need of revision.

To explore lesser-known allergens, Dominique Sabouraud-Leclerc and colleagues at the Reims University Medical Center in France analyzed 2,999 cases of severe food-induced allergic reactions based on data voluntarily reported by physicians to the Allergy Alert Network between 2002 and 2023. Their findings were published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy on August 20.

Buckwheat can cause severe food allergies. Image credit: Shutterstock/Buntovskikh Olga

The researchers focused on screening new food allergens not included in the EU mandatory labeling list, which individually caused at least 1% of allergy cases. The study found that goat's milk and buckwheat caused 2.8% and 2.4% of cases, respectively; peas and lentils, α-galactose, pine nuts, and kiwifruit each caused 1% to 2% of cases. α-galactose is a sugar that can cause allergies in red meat and other mammalian products. Additionally, apples and bee products such as edible pollen, honey, and royal jelly each caused 1% of cases. Overall, new food allergens caused 413 allergic reactions, accounting for approximately 14% of reported cases.

In terms of severity, allergic reactions to goat's milk and goat's cheese are particularly dangerous, resulting in the deaths of two boys. Repeated attacks and covert exposure are most common with goat's milk and cheese, followed by peas and lentils, buckwheat, and pine nuts.

Based on the research results, the team recommended that the EU include four types of food in the mandatory warning label list and emphasize the presence of these ingredients through bold fonts and other means.

“Our core goal is to protect consumers with allergies and ensure they have access to clear information,” said Sabouraud-Leclerc. “This falls under the purview of good patient care: diagnosis, education, access to first aid kits and understanding labels.”

Sabouraud-Leclerc pointed out that although the research data mainly came from France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, the results may be applicable to other countries, but the prevalence rates may vary due to local dietary differences. "If we can successfully push the EU to update its list of allergens, it may encourage other countries to follow suit, creating a snowball effect."