You’ll have seen food allergens listed on products in shops and dishes in restaurants – it’s something businesses are legally obliged to do.
Some of the most common allergens are peanuts, milk, tree nuts (such as almonds and cashews), soy, wheat, egg, fish and crustaceans (including shellfish, like crab or shrimp). Under the Food Allergens Labeling and Consumer Protection Acts (FALCPA), all of these must be clearly labeled.
However, there are other common allergens which don’t need to be listed in the US, though you will see them on packages and menus in the EU and UK. They include celery, mustard and mollusks, such as squid. Our at home allergy test covers a range of prevalent allergens, as well as less common ones.
As well as food, we also test for 18 environmental allergens. Some of the most common include pet dander (skin flakes), tree pollens, molds and house dust mites (D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae). Knowing what might cause an allergy to flare up is the first step towards a healthier and more enjoyable life.