by Cow milk, nuts and wheat are some of the common food allergies that most of us know in Great Britain and 14 Allergensen, which must be marked on food labels, but experts say that this list must be expanded.
Experts now warn that at least four more foods may have to be added, with a further four valuable surveillance worthwhile.
Researchers of a new study published in the magazine Clinical & Experimental Allergy say allergic reactions to food that is currently not on the list – including goat milk, pine nuts and lenses – say that warning signs should be taken into account.
In the study, researchers from France examined from 2002 to 2023 in the allergy wax sanctuary, which were reported by food induced anaphylaxis cases.
Anaphylaxis is a life -threatening allergic reaction that occurs very quickly and, according to NHS swelling of the neck, causes breathing difficulties and tightness of the neck.
The new study, which was estimated to be more than doubled, according to the food allergies in England between 2008 and 2018, showed references to regular reactions to a broader spectrum of food than that currently listed.
Eight foods in particular were highlighted by the experts.
Pine nuts that are edible seeds are often used in pesto. (Getty Images)
What are the eight foods?
The researchers said that four foods based on factors, including frequency, recurrence and severe allergic reactions as well as how easy it is, to recognize whether something contains the food are added to the list. They are:
Four other “emerging” allergens, of which the researchers say they should be monitored, are:
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Alpha gal, in red meat such as beef, pork or lamb and other foods that come from mammals such as gelatin
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Bee stick products such as honey, beeswax and bees pollen
The study examined almost 3,000 cases of food anaphylaxis and found that 413 (almost 14%), including two deaths, were caused by one of these eight foods that do not currently have to be marked.
Study Co author Dominique Sabouraud-Lecler said: “We believe that it is time to check the list of 14 foods with a mandatory labeling in order to conclude at least the most serious of these emerging food allergens.”
What are the 14 allergen foods that must currently be marked?
In the UK and EU, food companies have to highlight 14 large allergens in packaging. These are:
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Grain with gluten such as wheat, rye, barley and oats included
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Crustaceans such as shrimps, crabs and lobsters
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Lupine, a legumes related to peanuts
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Mollusks like mussels and oysters
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Sulfur dioxide and sulfite
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Tree nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, pecans, pistachios and Macadamia nuts
Simone Miles, Managing Director of Allergy UK, said of the new study,: “People with food allergies with unclear and inconsistent food identification have been struggling for too long.”
She added that the charity organization “called for the full ingredients for all food products, since even less well -known allergens can cause serious reactions and life -threatening anaphylaxis”.
Pea proteins are added to an increasing number of food. (Getty)
“We monitor the up -and -coming allergens and recently gave advice on people with a pea allergy,” she added.
“Pea is not one of the 14 allergens that currently have to be listed by law, but Pea protein is increasingly added to a variety of food, including in products in which it may not be expected.”
She asked people with allergies to be careful and always checked the labels, and added that Allergy UK also “expressed concerns about platforms such as Tikok Shop, in which many products have no clear and precise labeling”.
What should you do if you think you have an anaphylactic reaction?
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you suspect that you or someone else you know about has an anaphylactic reaction in connection with food, says the NHS that you:
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Use an adrenaline autoinjector (like an epipen) if you have one
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Lie down. Lift your legs or if you have difficulties to breathe, you can lift your shoulders or slowly put on
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If your symptoms have not improved after five minutes, use a second adrenaline autoinjector
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Don’t stand up or do not go, even if you feel better
Additional reporting from PA.
