Food Allergy Awareness Month

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada.

Food allergies are not only a leading cause of potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions but a major public health concern in Canada, especially among children. Over 3-million Canadians are affected by a food allergy. The impact of food allergy is far greater with an estimated 50% (1 in 2) of Canadian households directly or indirectly affected by food allergy.

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a certain food as harmful and reacts by triggering an allergic reaction that could potentially be life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Common food allergens are eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, soy, tree nuts and wheat.