Pine nuts can make the list, say experts

Allergic reactions to food such as pines and goat milk occur quite frequently, they may need warning labels, say the experts.

Food packaging in the United Kingdom and the EU already lists the most common allergens for people to know, such as eggs, peanuts and sesame.

But at least four others could be added to the list of compulsory risks, according to an article in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy.

Chief investigator Dr Dominique Sabouraud-Leclerc of the allergies vigilance network said that evidence of increased reactions to a wider range of foods suggest that it was time to review the list of foods with compulsory labels and to consider adding “at least the most serious of these emerging food allergens”.

Foods saying that researchers should be added to the list are now:

• goat or sheep milk
• buckwheat
• peas and lenses
• pinion

And other emerging to monitor are:

• Alpha-Gal, found in red meat like beef or lamb
• kiwi
• Hive products, such as wax and pollen, as well as honey
• apple

The recommendation comes from experts who have examined the cases of anaphylaxis induced by food reported in Europe between 2002 and 2023.

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms, such as swollen lips and throat and difficulty breathing, can occur very quickly.

People who know that they are allergic to certain foods can transport an adrenaline self-injector pen in case they need urgent treatment.

The researchers analyzed nearly 3,000 cases and 413, including two deaths, were caused by one of the eight emerging food allergies.

Based on their frequency, their severity, their recurrence and their hidden exposure potential, the four new new ones are goat milk and sheep, buckwheat, peas and lentils and pine nuts.

This would place them in the same list as the current 14:

• Cereals containing gluten – wheat, rye, barley, oats.
• crustaceans – crabs, shrimps, lobsters
• eggs
• fish
• peanuts
• soy
• milk
• Nuts – almonds, hazelnuts, nuts, cashews, pacan nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio, macadamia
• celery
• mustard
• sesame seeds
• Sulfur dioxide and sulfites used as preservatives (at concentrations of more than 10 mg / kg or 10 mg / L in terms of total sulfur dioxide)
• Lupine (an ingredient in certain pasta and pastries)
• Molluscs – molds, oysters, calmar, snails

The food standards agency claims that it recognizes that there are a large number of foods that can cause allergies or intolerances.

“This is why pre-evaded foods must list all ingredients, why food companies must provide clear information on allergens and why we encourage consumers to talk about their allergies,” said Dr. James Cooper spokesperson.