Understanding Food Allergies: What They Are and How They Affect Us

Food allergies are something many of us experience, yet often feel like we are facing them alone. But food allergies can develop at any time in life. It’s not just something you’re born with; they can develop gradually, even in your 30s or 40s—just as they did for me. In this post, I’ll explain what food allergies are, how they develop, and how they can be just as challenging as they are for those born with them. I’ll also share some statistics about the growing allergy situation in Europe.

What Are Food Allergies?

A food allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction. This reaction occurs when your body releases chemicals like histamine, which can lead to symptoms ranging from mild (itching, hives) to severe (difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and even anaphylaxis).

For me, my allergies didn’t start until my 30s. I didn’t even have any allergies as a child, and I lived a pretty healthy life growing up. But as I aged, I began to notice strange reactions when I ate certain foods—first, it was just a little discomfort, then the reactions became more intense. Over time, I developed allergies to tree nuts, sesame, eggs, and even raw vegetables and fruits due to a condition called oral allergy syndrome (OAS), triggered by birch pollen.

It’s a strange feeling when your body suddenly starts reacting to things you’ve eaten your whole life. It’s like being introduced to a new side of yourself you didn’t expect. For anyone who develops allergies later in life, I’m sure you can relate.

The Most Common Food Allergies in Europe

In Europe, there are 14 main food allergens recognized by law, which must be clearly labeled on packaged foods. These allergens include:

1. Cereals containing gluten (e.g., wheat, barley, oats)

2. Crustaceans (e.g., prawns, crabs, lobsters)

3. Eggs

4. Fish

5. Peanuts

6. Soybeans

7. Milk

8. Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews)

9. Celery

10. Mustard

11. Sesame seeds

12. Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (used as preservatives)

13. Lupin (a legume)

14. Mollusks (e.g., clams, oysters, mussels)

Among these, tree nuts and peanuts are the most concerning, as they can trigger severe reactions even with trace amounts. Milk, eggs, and sesame seeds are also common culprits. Many people think food allergies are just something you’re born with, but my story is a testament to the fact that they can develop over time—and they don’t always follow a predictable path.

Food Allergy Statistics in Europe

It’s often easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling with a food allergy, but in fact, allergies are becoming more common. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), approximately 1% of the population in Europe suffers from food allergies, including both children and adults. This figure comes from multiple studies, including those using food challenges as a diagnostic tool.

Given that the European Union’s population is around 447 million people, 1% of this population would mean that about 4.47 million individuals in Europe could be affected by food allergies. This figure is a conservative estimate, as prevalence rates can vary depending on diagnostic methods and regional factors. For example, in some countries, food allergy rates may be higher due to different dietary habits or environmental conditions.

Sources like EFSA and other European allergy organizations emphasize that food allergies are increasingly prevalent, and that more studies are needed to provide an accurate picture. According to EFSA, the true prevalence can be difficult to estimate because different countries and research groups use varying methods of diagnosis. (EFSA, 2021).

So, while 4.47 million people may sound like a large number, it’s based on these current estimations and reflects only 1% of the EU population. This may seem like a small percentage, but when you consider the actual number of people, it becomes clear that food allergies are a significant issue.

The Rising Issue of Pollen Allergies

In addition to food allergies, many people like myself also struggle with pollen allergies. I developed my food allergies due to oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which is linked to pollen allergies, especially birch pollen. In fact, birch pollen is one of the most common allergens in Europe, and it triggers reactions in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds cause hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which is common in 20-30% of the European population. As climate change causes longer pollen seasons, these allergies are becoming more widespread, affecting more people each year. And like food allergies, they can get worse over time—making it even more crucial to understand how to manage both types of allergies.

Living with Food and Pollen Allergies

Living with allergies—whether food or pollen—can feel isolating at times. But as I meet more people like me, I realize that there’s a growing community of allergy sufferers who are finding ways to adapt and live well. For those with food allergies, the key is to stay prepared: know what’s in your food, always read labels, and have emergency medication on hand just in case. For pollen allergies, it's about managing exposure: keep track of pollen forecasts, avoid high-risk areas during peak season, and use medication to alleviate symptoms.

As we travel, it’s even more important to be prepared. When you’re in unfamiliar places, you can’t always trust that the food or environment will be safe, so being proactive is key.

Conclusion

It’s tough being in a minority—whether you have food allergies or pollen allergies. But the truth is, we’re not alone. Allergies are on the rise, and more and more people are developing them later in life. It’s important to raise awareness, support one another, and make the world safer for everyone living with allergies.

If you’re someone who has recently developed a food or pollen allergy, or if you’ve been living with allergies for a long time, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Let’s share our stories, raise awareness, and work towards making travel and life a little safer for all of us.