Food Allergies

What are Food Allergies?

Food allergies are more common than you might think, affecting more than 3 million Canadians.¹ Food allergies are immune system reactions that occur shortly after consuming certain foods. These reactions happen when your immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food as harmful.² When someone with a food allergy eats a food that they are allergic to, they can experience a range of symptoms, from mild rashes to severe reactions like difficulty breathing.² While food allergies can vary greatly among individuals, the most common allergens in Canada include:

How to Manage Food Allergies

Food allergies are serious and require careful management. If you have a food allergy, it’s important to take steps to avoid any potential allergens and always be prepared for emergency situations. Here’s how you can manage your allergies effectively:

• Communicate your needs: When dining out or attending events, clearly communicate your allergies to those preparing or serving the food.⁴

• Read labels: Check the ingredients list on packaged foods to ensure they do not contain allergens.⁴ Food labelling regulations now require the inclusion of priority food allergens, added sulphites, and sources of gluten on food labels. While some companies choose to use "may contain" statements on pre-packaged food labels to indicate potential cross-contamination with other allergen-containing products, this practice is not mandatory.⁵

• Know your symptoms: If you experience symptoms like swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing after eating, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.⁶

• Emergency preparedness: If you’re at risk of severe allergic reactions, always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) with you and ensure you know how to use it.⁶

Resources

There are many resources available to help you stay safe and informed when managing food allergies. Here are a few to get you started:

• Food Allergy Canada: Offers helpful guides and advice for living with food allergies.
  Visit www.foodallergycanada.ca.

• Health Canada: Offers information on food allergies and safety.
  Visit  https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-allergies-intolerances/food-allergies.html.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can effectively manage food allergies and lead a safe, healthy life.