title: [Hidden allergens in processed food. The consumer perspective].
abstract: Despite improved allergen-labeling and careful avoidance strategies, hidden allergens in food are a substantial risk for unintended reactions in food allergy sufferers. Unpublished data from a survey of the German Allergy and Asthma Association (Deutscher Allergie- und Asthmabund, DAAB) show that 85% of 738 questioned food allergic patients have experienced at least one allergic reaction from each prepacked products as well as food sold loose. Almost half of the participants said to have not received information of a food allergen as an ingredient or possible trace on the label. Different possibilities are discussed under which food allergens can be hidden in processed products, like incomprehensible labeling, labeling gaps, unexpected occurrence of allergens as well as cross contaminations or allergens in loose products. To each of the seven highlighted sources of hidden allergens in food, practical examples are given as well as proposals for the improvement of the situation from consumer view. The aim is to indicate possibilities and measures for politics and industry by which allergic consumers and their social circle are able to make an informed choice concerning the safe consumption of a certain product and to protect themselves from unintentional reactions.
authors.affiliation: Deutscher Allergie- und Asthmabund e.V., Fliethstr. 114, 41061, Mönchengladbach, Deutschland. daab_sabine.schnadt@email.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schnadt
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005060:Europe; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D005511:Food Handling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D059022:Food Safety; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens