Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerance - Understanding the Differences

Overview

While food allergies and food intolerance differ in severity, effective control measures are essential in food production:

Food Allergies

Food allergies involve an immune system response to specific foods:

• Immune System Reaction: Allergies can trigger severe reactions and require strict avoidance.
• Symptoms: Immediate physical symptoms like swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis.
• Prevalence: Affect a smaller percentage of the population but can be life-threatening.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance refers to difficulty in digesting certain foods:

• Digestive Issues: Symptoms include bloating and abdominal pain, usually occurring several hours after ingestion.
• Cause: Due to enzyme or chemical deficiencies rather than an immune response.
• Prevalence: More people report intolerance, but true prevalence is uncertain due to self-diagnosis.

Management and Control

Both conditions require strict management practices in food production:

• Control Measures: Stringent protocols to avoid cross-contamination and ensure accurate labelling.
• Educational Awareness: Educating consumers and food handlers about the differences and precautions.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between food allergies and intolerance is crucial for effective management and ensuring food safety.