Food allergies

Food allergies and intolerances are both types of ‘food sensitivity’. When someone has a food allergy, their immune system reacts to a particular food as if it isn’t safe. This reaction can make them very ill. People can be allergic to one or more foods. If someone has a severe food allergy, this can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis affects the whole body, often within minutes of eating the food. 

Food intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system and is generally not life-threatening. If you eat a food you are intolerant to, this could make you feel ill or affect your long-term health.

Food Standards Agency website - find out more about food allergies and intolerances.