Food Allergies

In the United States, one out of every 25 people has a food allergy of some sort. The total number of Americans affected by this condition comes out to be over 12 million. Clearly, it is not a rare phenomenon, and because of the dangers posed by these allergic reactions, food manufacturers have the legal responsibility of informing consumers if their products contain any of the top eight allergens.

What are the most common allergens?

There are eight different types of food / food products that are the cause of over 90% of food-related allergic reactions in individuals worldwide:

• Milk
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Wheat
• Soy
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish

The first six are the most common allergens among children, and a large percentage of them will grow out of the allergy as they age. Nuts, fish, and shellfish are the main perpetrators among adults.

What dangers are associated with food allergies?

Allergic reactions to foods may range in severity, depending on the sensitivity of the allergy and the amount of food ingested. Victims may experience symptoms as mild as itchy skin and eyes or a runny nose. More serious allergies cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

The most severe reaction to ingestion of a food allergen is a phenomenon known as anaphylaxis, which causes the victim to experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, and tingling. Anaphylaxis may be fatal, and those who experience the symptoms of such an adverse reaction are recommended to seek medical attention immediately.

Contact Us

If you have had a dangerous allergic reaction to a food that was not labeled properly, then you may have the right to claim compensation from the responsible company. Contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130 to speak with a qualified attorney about your situation.