Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta, Inc.
  • Home
    • Mission | Vision | Goals
    • Leadership
    • Medical Advisory Board
  • Education
    • About Food Allergies >
      • Common Allergens
      • Symptoms & Treatment
      • Contacting a Food Manufacturer
  • Advocacy
    • In-Service Training
    • Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW)
  • Support
    • Youth & Teen Programs >
      • Allergy-Friendly Baking & Cooking Club
      • Club Resources
      • Sign Up!
  • Blog
  • Donate

Common food Allergens

Any food can cause an allergic reaction. However, in the United States, eight foods account for approximately 90 percent of food allergies and include cow's milk, hen's egg, peanut, soybean, tree nuts, wheat, fish, and shellfish.  

The most common allergens among infants and children include
  • cow's milk
  • hen's egg
  • peanuts
  • tree nuts
  • soybean
  • wheat
  • shellfish
  • fish

The most common allergens among adults include 
  • shellfish
  • fish
  • tree nuts
  • peanuts
Learn more about the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance by watching the short video above (AAAAI, 2020)
Food allergies can occur in both children and adults. While children often outgrow a food allergy, a food allergy can also develop in adulthood. For example, people sometimes develop food allergies to shellfish or tree nuts later in life.

Food allergy is a term used loosely and often confused by someone with a milk (lactose) intolerance or gluten sensitivity. For example, lactose (a sugar found in milk) intolerance involves the digestive system, and while it can impair life quality, it is not life-threatening. Cow's milk allergy affects the immune system and can be fatal. Therefore, a proper diagnosis by a board-certified allergist is vital.  
​

If you or your child has a food allergy, it is essential to carry emergency medications and an emergency action plan (EAP) signed by your medical provider. It is also crucial to provide your employer or your child's school and caregivers with a copy of the signed EAP.

Most Common U.S. Food Allergens: "the top 8"

Picture
Cow’s Milk
Picture
Hen’s Egg
Picture
Peanut
Picture
Soybean
Picture
Tree Nuts
Picture
Wheat
Picture
Fish
Picture
Shellfish

Food allergy kids of atlanta, inc. | info@fakidsatl.org | Canton, ga 30114

Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta, Inc. provides the links on this page for your information and does not guarantee the information in the contents of the links provided to be accurate. Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any inaccurate or misguided information located on this page or within these links.