Define Food Allergy

A food allergy is a serious medical condition
affecting up to 15 million people in the U.S.,
including 1 in 13 children.  A food allergy
occurs when the body's immune system produces
an antibody in response to the protein contained
in a specific food.  When people with food
allergies are exposed to the allergen, symptoms
can range from itching to life threatening. 

In the U.S., there are eight allergens that account
for 90% of all food allergic reactions- wheat, milk,
peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish and shellfish.