Appetite is one of the three major desires, and the pleasure of eating may be a craving for certain foods depending on the person, but the sad reality is that people cannot eat because their body does not accept it, and this is called an allergic reaction.
This time, we will learn about allergens in food and the types of accidents they cause.
1. What is an allergy
An allergy is an abnormality of the immune system that causes a hypersensitivity to a specific substance (commonly called an allergen), and it occurs as an antigen-antibody reaction, and is a reaction to various substances including food.
Allergens are sensitive to white people, and there are various cases, such as the case of children who died in Canada after eating peanuts and kissing each other, and the case of peanut powder being banned on airplanes due to the risk of flying around.
Food companies must indicate this on the labeling, and the size of the font, etc. are specified according to the labeling method standards of the Food Sanitation Act, and violations are subject to sanctions.
2. Types and characteristics of allergens
The Food Sanitation Act sets out 23 allergens, and they are said to be increasing. Beef and chicken were included, and now rice, a staple food, is also expected to be included.
- Milk, buckwheat, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, mackerel, crab, shrimp, pork, sulfurous acid (the final product contains more than 10mg/kg of SO2), peaches, tomatoes, walnuts, chicken, eggs (limited to poultry), beef, squid, shellfish (including oysters, abalone, and mussels), pine nuts
3. Symptoms
Symptoms of anaphylactic shock may include hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing. In mild cases, skin rashes and flushing may occur. If serious symptoms such as a swollen throat and difficulty breathing occur, you should go to the emergency room immediately, and you should know what allergens you are sensitive to through regular tests.
4. Allergy Accidents
Incidents and accidents caused by allergies occur in various types, and it is important to accurately understand the characteristics of each type in order to prevent and deal with them.
1). Accidents that occur after consuming food
- Sudden allergic reaction: This is when allergic symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing suddenly appear immediately after consuming a specific food. In severe cases, it can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.
- Consumption of contaminated food: This is an accident that occurs when trace amounts of allergens are mixed into food that is labeled as not containing allergens due to cross-contamination during manufacturing.
- Food labeling errors: This is an accident caused by misunderstanding when the ingredients listed on the food label are different from the actual ingredients.
2). Accidents that occur when eating out and group meals
- Lack of menu information: When eating out, there is a high possibility of consuming allergens because you cannot know all the ingredients included in the menu, especially when the raw/subsidiary ingredients used contain hidden allergens.
- Contamination during cooking: There is a risk of cross-contamination due to allergens during cooking when using the same cooking utensils.
- Lack of employee awareness: When restaurant staff lack information on food and do not accurately understand the needs of allergy sufferers, or when they provide food containing allergens.
3). Accidents that occur when consuming processed foods and snacks
- Complex ingredients of processed foods: It is difficult to determine whether allergens are included in processed foods because various raw materials and additives are used.
- Incorrect food intake by children: Children are curious and often eat food around them without permission.
- Allergies due to food additives: Some food additives can cause allergic reactions. - Sulfites (in wine), gluten (in places where wheat is used, such as bread)
5. Efforts to prevent accidents
1). Confirm accurate information: Check food labels, and when eating out, ask the restaurant about the use of allergens
2). Choose safe ingredients: Cook directly using fresh ingredients such as organic ingredients rather than processed foods
3). Prevent cross-contamination: Wash cooking utensils thoroughly, and store allergens and other food ingredients separately.
4). Prepare for emergencies: Allergy sufferers should always carry emergency medicine.
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Thanks a lot