33 million Americans have food allergies, or when the body's immune system identifies the protein in a food as a threat.
(PRUnderground) May 14th, 2026
Food allergies are extremely common, with 33 million Americans have food allergies and one in every 13 children with the condition. Every 10 seconds, a food allergy reaction sends a patient to the emergency room.
According to allergy experts, the top nine food allergens in the U.S. are peanut, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy, sesame, shellfish, and fish.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system identifies the protein in a food as a threat. Food allergy may occur in response to any food, and some people are allergic to more than one food. Food allergies typically start in childhood, but can also first appear as an adult.
Food allergies can be life-threatening
All food allergies have one thing in common: They can be life-threatening and need to be taken seriously.
Food allergy reactions can vary unpredictably from mild to severe. Mild food allergy reactions may involve getting a few hives or having minor abdominal pain. Some food allergy reactions progress to severe anaphylaxis and can result in low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
Anaphylaxis (pronounced a-nuh-fuh-LAK-suhs) is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms can affect several areas of the body, including breathing and blood circulation. Patients and their families should know how to respond.
Medical experts recommend that suspected food allergies be evaluated, diagnosed and treated by a qualified medical professional. If a reaction is severe or life-threatening seek care immediately in a hospital emergency department.
Intermountain Health experts suggest people see a primary care doctor or an allergist if they think they have food allergies. Do not self-diagnose a food allergy. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and inadequate nutrition, especially in children.
Registered dietitian nutritionists at Intermountain Health can help people learn strategies to help navigate food allergies and help people know how to ensure they are getting enough nutrition from other foods.
Strategies from registered dietitians for navigating food allergens
- Read food labels thoroughly and carefully
Read nutrition labels when purchasing a food item, when the food item is put in the pantry, and before preparing the food. Look for allergen warnings on food packages.
- Avoid cross contact
Avoid eating foods that have come in contact with the food allergen. Avoid using cooking utensils, surfaces, dishes, eating utensils, and cookware that have come in contact the food allergen without being washed with warm soap and water or washed in a dishwasher. Also wash hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not remove allergens from hands.
- Eating out with food allergies
When eating out, look at the menu before going. Also call ahead and ask questions about dishes on the menu that do not contain or have cross contact with an allergen. Before ordering ask the server questions about dishes on the menu that do not contain or have cross contact with allergens. If the risk of an allergic reaction is high, experts recommend choosing a different restaurant or eating beforehand and not ordering food.
Visit intermountainhealth.org to find a primary care provider, an allergist, or a registered dietitian nutritionist.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a nonprofit health plan called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.
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