It also plans to identify more thoroughly the ingredients that could cause food allergies. FAAN and more than 18 food companies worked together to produce the voluntary guidelines that clarify how to best warn consumers with food allergies when choosing foods. They agreed, says Munoz-Furlong, that food products should identify the top eight allergens that cause 90 percent of food allergies. Also, she says, the companies recommend more clear identification of the flavoring in food products. Food allergies affect only between 6 million and 7 million Americans, according to FAAN, but between 150 and 200 people die annually from severe allergic reactions, mostly from eating foods they thought were safe.
Peanuts are the leading cause of severe allergic reactions.
Other common allergic reactions are caused by other tree nuts like walnuts and pecans, as well as fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. Allergic reactions can include swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, hives, stomach cramps, loss of consciousness and, in extreme cases, death. They don't want to be sued. They don't want to have to recall products. Information about food safety and nutrition can be found at the Center for Science in the Public Interest .