If you are new to food allergies, one of the first things you will hear about is the “Top 9 allergens.” These are the nine foods that cause the majority of serious allergic reactions in the United States.
The Top 9 allergens are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame
For years, it was called the Top 8. Sesame was officially added in 2023 under the FASTER Act, which means it now has to be clearly labeled on packaged foods just like the others according to FALCPA laws. That change was huge for allergy families who were constantly scanning ingredient lists for sneaky sesame under names like tahini or natural flavors.
These nine foods are responsible for most food allergy reactions, especially in children.
It is important to remember that someone can be allergic to foods outside of the Top 9. However, these are the ones required by law to be disclosed on labels.
If you are managing food allergies at home, knowing the Top 9 is step one. It makes grocery shopping, school forms, and eating out just a little less overwhelming when you know exactly what to look for.
