Allergen Apr 2026

Food Allergies: The “Big 9” | Food Safety and Inspection Service

Allergens are generally classified by how they enter the body or their source: allergen

An is a substance—usually a protein—that the immune system mistakenly identifies as a threat, triggering a hypersensitive response. While harmless to most people, these substances cause the body to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which lead to the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine. Common Categories of Allergens Food Allergies: The “Big 9” | Food Safety