What is a food allergy?
Food allergies develop when the immune system, for unknown reasons, fights against a particular food protein even though it is harmless. There are many people with food intolerances, which cause symptoms such as minor skin rashes or stomach upset. Food allergies, which trigger the immune system, are less common and more severe. True food allergy can cause anaphylaxis – a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.