Food Allergies and Intolerances

Many people have food allergies and food intolerance. It is very important to understand the differences because it could cost someone’s life if we are not careful. Food intolerance is rarely life threatening but food allergies sometimes are. Food allergies are very complex. Food allergy is a serious medical condition affecting up to 15 million people in the United States, including 1 in 13 children. When you work in dining services and are responsible for preparing and serving food to patients and residents it is important to be able to identify common food allergens and the foods that contain these allergens to keep our patients and residents safe.

 Objectives

 Understand the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance

 List 5 of the nine foods that are identified as major food allergens

Understand the importance of avoiding the foods and beverages that contain an allergen and the potential

consequences if this occurs 

Presenter: Kim Carr Fremont, MSED, RD, LD, Senior Vice President, Health Technologies, Inc. 

Presented: February 27, 2025