Causes (1)
- Food poisoning
Symptoms (2)
- Anaphylaxis
- Symptom Checker
Tests and diagnosis (1)
- Allergy skin tests
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Allergy medications: Know your options
- Allergy shots
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Food allergies: Understanding food labels
Gluten-free labels
Although gluten intolerance is different than a food allergy, it can cause serious reactions. Gluten causes serious health problems in people who have celiac disease, a chronic digestive disorder. Gluten is a protein that occurs in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. It's found in many foods and food ingredients.
The FDA has established initial guidelines for use of the term "gluten-free" on food labels. Currently, the "gluten-free" label is voluntary — it's up to the manufacturer whether to include it. Many foods are naturally gluten-free and may or may not be labeled as such. The FDA is in the process of refining guidelines for gluten-free labeling.
The bottom line: Be cautious
Always double-check labels to be sure you know what you're eating and drinking. Even though a food product may have been safe the last time you purchased or consumed it, it's possible that the ingredients have changed or the label has been updated. If you have any doubt about food ingredients, contact the manufacturer about whether the food could possibly contain a food allergen.
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- Food allergen labeling and consumer protection act of 2004. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/food/labelingnutrition/FoodAllergensLabeling/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ucm106187.htm. Accessed Nov. 2, 2010.
- Product labeling. Celiac Sprue Association. http://www.csaceliacs.org/FDADefinitionofGluten-freeLabeling.php. Accessed Nov. 2, 2010.
- Food labeling; current trends in the use of allergen advisory labeling: Its use, effectiveness, and consumer perception; public hearing; request for comments. U.S Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodAllergensLabeling/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ucm078020.htm. Accessed Nov. 2, 2010.
- Food allergen labeling and consumer protection act of 2004 questions and answers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/FoodAllergensLabeling/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ucm106890.htm#q3. Accessed Nov. 9, 2010.
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