Objective: To determine the frequency and effects of accidental ingestion of packaged processed foods, eating out, and over-the-counter sales in individuals with food allergies.
Methods: The participants were guardians of children hospitalized for an oral food challenge test during January and February 2016 at the Department of Pediatrics, Sagamihara National Hospital. We conducted a questionnaire survey on food allergies, accidental ingestion via packaged processed foods, eating out, and over-the-counter sales in the past 1 year, and the degree of understanding of the display of allergen-related information.
Results: A total of 442 participants were given questionnaires, and 226 provided valid responses. Among these respondents, 31% had experienced accidental ingestion (packaged processed food: 24%, food service: 12%), and approximately one quarter of the subjects with allergic symptoms had repeated accidental ingestion. About 70% of the causes were due to overlooking or misunderstanding of allergen information. Of the participants, 85% were aware that processed foods must display allergen information, and 39% were aware that there was no requirement to label food sold in food service and over-the-counter sales.
Conclusions: Patients with food allergies are familiar with and repeatedly experience accidental ingestion of packaged processed foods, eating out, and over-the-counter sales. In order to prevent accidental ingestion, it is important to thoroughly check allergy labeling and to instruct patients on precautions to take when eating out or over-the-counter sales.
Keywords: accidental ingestion; adverse reaction; food hypersensitivity; food labeling; processed food.