A major food allergen according to the FDA is an ingredient that comes from one of nine foods or food groups that cause the majority of allergic reactions. These major food allergens are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Crustacean shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame (added as the ninth major allergen effective January 1, 2023)
The FDA requires these allergens to be clearly labeled on food products to help consumers avoid them if allergic. These nine foods account for about 90% of all food allergies in the U.S. and must be disclosed on labels when present in food products.
