what component of a food is responsible for an allergic reaction?

The component of food responsible for triggering an allergic reaction is typically a protein. These proteins act as allergens that the immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful, leading to an immune response. When a person with a food allergy consumes the allergenic protein, their immune system produces specific antibodies (IgE) which trigger the release of chemicals like histamine, causing allergy symptoms. Common allergenic proteins are found in foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, cow's milk, wheat, soy, and sesame.