Recent findings from allergy research published in the prestigious Clinical & Experimental Allergy journal reveal that eight specific foods or food groups, which contribute to at least 1% of reported cases of food anaphylaxis, are currently excluded from mandatory food labeling regulations.
In light of these significant findings, the researchers have urged that goat’s and sheep’s milk, along with buckwheat, peas, lentils, and pine nuts, should be added to the list of allergens required for mandatory labeling in Europe. This initiative aims to enhance consumer safety and awareness surrounding potential allergens.
This proposal seeks to complement the existing allergen labeling requirements, which already stipulate that fourteen specific allergens must be clearly indicated on food packaging. The current allergens include:
- Celery
- Cereals containing gluten (such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats)
- Crustaceans (including prawns, crabs, and lobsters)
- Eggs
- Fish
- Lupin
- Milk
- Molluscs (such as mussels and oysters)
- Mustard
- Peanuts
- Sesame
- Soybeans
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
- Tree nuts
Upon reviewing data from reported cases of food-induced anaphylaxis to the Allergy Vigilance Network from 2002 to 2023, researchers noted that eight specific foods frequently contributed to these incidents, yet were not officially recognized in European regulations.
In addition to goat’s and sheep’s milk, buckwheat, peas, lentils, and pine nuts, four other emerging food allergens were identified: alpha-gal, kiwifruit, apple, and products derived from beehives. These findings highlight the urgent need for a more comprehensive allergen labeling system.
Among the notable allergens, goat’s and sheep’s milk were highlighted for their severe anaphylactic reactions. Specifically, 39 reported cases (46.4%) demonstrated grade three reactions, while four cases (4.8%) escalated to grade four reactions, tragically resulting in two fatalities within school settings.
Furthermore, reactions to buckwheat were documented in 71 cases, with a concerning trend: two-thirds of these cases involved adults and exhibited severe reactions, including 33 grade three reactions (46.5%) and one grade four reaction (1.4%). This data underscores the necessity of increased awareness regarding buckwheat as a potential allergen.
Additionally, the analysis grouped peas and lentils together due to their tendency for cross-reactivity. When examined separately, both foods nearly reached the pivotal 1% threshold for anaphylaxis cases. Of the 55 relevant incidents, 28 (50.9%) were attributed to peas, while 27 (49.1%) were due to lentils, with a majority occurring in children, which raises concerns among parents and guardians.
Similarly, of the 49 reported cases of pine nut-induced anaphylaxis, a remarkable 36 (73.5%) occurred in children, including 24 instances (49%) classified as grade three reactions. This data intensifies the need for stricter regulations and greater consumer awareness.
Dr. James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency, emphasized, “People with food hypersensitivities should have information to help them make safe food choices, and we recognize there are a significant number of foods that can cause allergies or intolerances. This is why pre-packed foods must list all ingredients, why food businesses must provide clear information about allergens, and why we encourage consumers to speak up about their allergies.” He further noted, “Allergen labeling must be based on robust scientific evidence, part of our ongoing commitment to protecting consumers.”
For a comprehensive review of the research and analysis, the full publication can be accessed by clicking here.