Other Food Allergies

A person can be allergic to almost any food. While just eight foods (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish) account for nearly 90 percent of other food allergies, allergic reactions to many other foods have also been reported. Although not complete, Other Food Allergies provides an overview of some less common food allergies.

Corn Allergy

Allergic reactions to corn, among other food allergies, are very rare. However, relatively few case reports appearing in the medical literature indicate that corn-related reactions may occur. Reactions can occur from both raw and cooked corn. People allergic to corn should seek personal guidance from an allergist.

Meat Allergy

Allergies to meats such as beef, chicken, lamb or pork are also rare. A person with a meat allergy may not need to avoid other types of meat. Heating and cooking meat can make the product less likely to cause a reaction. If you have a cow's milk allergy, you may wonder: Should I also avoid beef?
This is usually not necessary because most people who are allergic to milk can safely consume beef products.
However, one study showed that about 8 percent of 62 children with a milk allergy also had a reaction to beef. The study also shows that well-cooked beef is less likely to be a problem for those with milk allergies. Similarly, people with egg allergies do not need to avoid poultry. Some people who are allergic to mammal meat experience allergic symptoms 3-6 hours after digesting beef, pork or lamb.
This type of meat allergy has been linked to a sugar in meat called “Alpha-Gal.” The origin of this allergy has been traced to being bitten by a tick.

Gelatin Allergy

Gelatin is a protein formed when the skin or connective tissue of an animal is boiled. Although rare, allergic reactions to gelatin have been reported. Allergy to gelatin is a common cause of an allergic reaction to vaccines, most of which contain pork gelatin as a stabilizer. If you have experienced symptoms of an allergic reaction after eating gelatin, talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine. People with known severe gelatin allergy should avoid vaccines containing gelatin.

Seed Allergy

Allergic reactions to seeds can be severe. Sesame, sunflower and poppy seeds are known to cause anaphylaxis. The number of people affected by seed allergy is unknown. However, a study published in 2010 concluded that 0.1 percent of the general population may have a sesame allergy. The seeds are frequently used in bakery and bread products, and extracts of some seeds are found in hair care products. Some seed oils are highly refined, a process that removes allergy-causing proteins from the oil. However, since not all seed oils are refined, people with seed allergies need to be careful when eating foods prepared with seed oils.

Spice Allergy

Allergies to spices such as coriander, garlic and mustard are rare. These allergic reactions to spices are usually mild, but serious reactions have been reported. Some spices cross-react with mugwort and birch pollen. People who are sensitive to these environmental allergens are at higher risk of developing spice allergies.

Fruits and vegetables

Allergic reactions to fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, peaches, plums, tomatoes and bananas are often diagnosed as oral allergy syndrome.

Other Common (Non-Food) Allergens
Unfortunately, food isn't the only allergen that can cause anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction.