Hidden allergies

Food products often contain ingredients which are neither listed on the label, nor easily recognized by the consumer. This is a problem for people with allergies, since these "hidden" ingredients are often allergens. Some allergens are listed, but are simply unfamiliar to consumers. For instance, it's not clear that the ingredients ovalbumin or lecithin contain egg protein, or that casein and caseinate contain milk proteins.

Hidden sources of milk protein are found in some sausages, pre-made soups and sauces, bread, breakfast cereals and margarine. Peanuts and soya are allergens which must be declared on the label.

An estimated eight percent of children and adults in Europe suffer from a food allergy. Food products are among the most frequent causes of an anaphylactic reaction. The most common allergens are peanuts, celery, mustard, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish and nuts (hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, cashews).

Source: German Government health leaflet (Bundesgesundheitsblatt) – Health research - Gesundheitsschutz 44 (2001) 666-675.