The Canned Food Information Service is pleased to be of assistance to those members of the community who need to choose their food carefully to avoid problems associated with food sensitivity. Food Sensitivity Adverse reactions to food are not uncommon. This sensitivity can be due to food allergy or food intolerance. Food allergies are the less common of the two. They are more likely to begin during childhood, usually relate to one or two foods and the onset of symptoms usually follows consumption of the food fairly closely.
Food intolerance is more common and more likely to begin in adulthood.
It may not be permanent. It usually involves a larger number of foods and the onset of symptoms is often delayed. Many people wish to avoid the foods which cause allergy or intolerance. This may be difficult if the avoided foods are staples in our Australian eating patterns. One of the risks of excluding groups of foods is inadequate nutrient intake.