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Food Allergy

Food allergy is  most commonly triggered by egg, cow's milk (dairy), peanut, tree nuts, sesame, soy, wheat, fish and other seafood, although almost any food can cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to foods range from mild to severe (anaphylaxis), which  requires immediate treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine).  

Allergy tests (skin prick testing  or blood tests for allergen specific Immunoglobulin E antibodies are used to confirm food allergy triggers. Sometimes a medically supervised food allergen challenge is also required to confirm or exclude food allergy. Dietary avoidance for food allergy should only be carried out under medical and dietitian supervision, to ensure adequate nutrition, growth and development. 

Fast Facts

 
 
 
 
 
 
Dietary Guides
 
Click on the links below for more information (A-Z)

Allergic and Toxic Reactions to Seafood

Coconut Allergy

Cow's Milk (Dairy) Allergy 

Egg Allergy and Influenza Vaccination 

Food Allergen Challenges FAQ 

Food Allergy FAQ 

How to Introduce Solid Foods for Allergy Prevention FAQ 

Lupin Allergy

Mammalian Meat and Tick Allergy FAQ 

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergy FAQ 

Peanut, Tree Nut and Seed Allergy

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food allergy QR CODE

Further Information
 
 
 
National Allergy Council Resources

Nip Allergies in the Bub for food allergy prevention

250K for teenagers and young adults with severe allergies

Food allergy education

Food allergy training for food service

The National Allergy Council is a partnership between ASCIA and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia working in collaboration with other stakeholders

Webpage updated March 2024