Food allergies are increasingly recognized as a significant health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. While some reactions may be mild, others can have severe and life-threatening consequences.
Diagnosing food allergies accurately is crucial for personal well-being and understanding potential legal implications in cases of allergen-related injuries.
In this comprehensive guide, presented by the Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney, we delve into the essentials of diagnosing food allergies and explore how these can intersect with legal matters.
Diagnosing Food Allergies
Food allergies have become a pervasive concern, affecting individuals from all walks of life. From mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis, the…
Continue Reading A Guide to Diagnosing Food Allergies

In today’s diverse food landscape, it’s common to come across various labels and symbols on packaging that indicate a product’s compliance with specific dietary requirements or cultural practices. One such set of symbols and labels pertains to kosher certification. Understanding these symbols can be incredibly valuable, especially for those who follow kosher dietary laws or are curious about different culinary traditions.
1. Decoding Kosher Certification
Kosher, a term originating from Hebrew, means “fit” or “proper.” It means a collection of rules in the Jewish religion that say which foods are okay to eat and how they should be made. Kosher…
Continue Reading Understanding Kosher Labeling and Symbols

A gastrointestinal disease, Staphylococcal food poisoning is caused due to the ingestion of a toxic bacterium, Staph. While Staphylococcus Aureus is often found on the skin and in the nose of approximately 25% of healthy individuals, its ability to produce toxins in certain conditions can lead to a swift onset of food poisoning symptoms such as cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Staphylococcal food poisoning is usually a result of eating contaminated or raw food. Keep reading to learn more about Staphylococcus Aureus food poisoning.
Causes of Staphylococcus Aureus Food Poisoning
Staphylococcus Aureus is a bacterium that naturally resides on…
Continue Reading An Overview: Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

Does eating pizza or drinking a glass of milk cause your lips to swell up and rashes to appear all over your body? There’s a high chance that you might be suffering from casein allergy. Casein, a protein commonly found in milk and dairy products, can trigger an allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening if not treated on time. This happens when your immune system mistakenly identifies the milk protein as a threat and tries to fight it.
Although there is a common misconception wherein casein allergy is often incorrectly identified as lactose intolerance, it is imperative to recognize that these two…
Continue Reading Casein Allergy: What Is It?

Did you know that for over 5.6 million children and 26 million adults in America, ingredient labels are the first and only line of protection between a delicious and enjoyable meal and a critical health emergency? Ingesting even the smallest amount of allergens can bring about an put a person in anaphylactic shock leading to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal difficulties, and skin irritation. In this condition, injecting an EpiPen (epinephrine) or getting medical treatment is the only remedy.  
Unfortunately, despite the strict laws and regulations, food manufacturers still fail to adequately address the risks posed by allergens in…
Continue Reading Understanding Food Allergy Lawsuits Against Manufacturers

Food is a source of nourishment, pleasure, and social connection, but it can also trigger adverse reactions in some individuals. Food allergies, a common health concern, affect millions of people worldwide. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat and launches a defensive response against it. These reactions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies. Understanding the stages of food allergic reactions is crucial in identifying symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention, and adopting preventive measures. Keep reading to learn about the different stages of a food-allergic reaction.
Stage 01:…
Continue Reading Stages of Food-Allergic Reactions

Food allergies are a prevalent and potentially life-threatening condition affecting millions worldwide. In the United States, an estimated 32 million people suffer from food allergies. Living with food allergies can be challenging, as it requires constant vigilance and careful management to avoid potential allergic reactions in public places. This article will delve into the rights of U.S. citizens with food allergies and provide essential tips for keeping yourself safe from allergic reactions.
What Is a Food Allergy?
Your immune system’s response to a certain protein in different foods is an allergic reaction. In simpler words, When someone with a food…
Continue Reading Living with Food Allergies – Know Your Rights

For many patrons, visiting their favorite restaurant is a memorable and enjoyable experience. However, for individuals with food sensitivities, a seemingly ordinary meal can trigger a severe allergic reaction, leading to compromised health, a lawsuit, and a lifetime of trauma haunting every dining experience in the future.
According to a report by FARE (Food Allergy and Research Education), approximately 15 million US citizens have food allergies, and a person is brought to the emergency room every 3 minutes due to a food allergic reaction. The statistics become notably concerning when taking into account that approximately one-third of our calorie…
Continue Reading Dining Safely: Managing Food Allergies in Restaurants

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. First discovered in 1885 by German pediatrician and bacteriologist Theodor Escherich, E. coli has become one of the most extensively studied microorganisms due to its abundance and diverse characteristics. Inhabiting various environments, including the human and animal digestive systems, some strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial. However, others can lead to severe illness and pose significant public health concerns. Continue reading to learn about the five types of pathogenic E. coli variants.
1. Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli (EHEC)
Enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) strains, such as E. coli…
Continue Reading Different Types of E. Coli Explained

Food serves more than a nutritional purpose in our lives. The food we consume plays a fundamental role in our overall well-being. Over the years, medical professionals have spoken up about the link between food and some common medical conditions. Understanding this connection is essential for making informed dietary choices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Continue reading to learn about the five food-related medical conditions.
1. Food Intolerances and Allergies
Food allergies and intolerances can cause various adverse reactions, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain foods, while intolerances result from the…
Continue Reading 5 Food-Related Medical Conditions

Although they might sound the same, “food allergy” and “food intolerance” are very different medical conditions. While they may share some similarities in terms of symptoms, the underlying mechanisms, causes, and treatment approaches differ significantly. Here’s everything you need to know about food allergies vs. food intolerances.
What Is Food Intolerance?
Affecting 15% to 20% of people in the United States, food intolerance occurs when the digestive system has difficulty processing specific types of food. Individuals with digestive system disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), often experience a higher prevalence of food intolerances. These intolerances can exacerbate symptoms and lead to…
Continue Reading Food Allergies vs. Food Intolerances: Key Differences and Management

Also known as pollen-food syndrome, Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) is a relatively common condition affecting individuals with environmental allergies. Simply put, your immune system considers proteins in certain fruits, vegetables, and nuts as pollen proteins and reacts to them, causing itching, tingling, or swelling of the mouth, lips, and throat. According to reports, 47-70% of people with pollen allergies have Oral Allergy Syndrome, including children under the age of 3. Read on to learn about the triggers, symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips of Oral Allergy Syndrome.
What Are the Causes of Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Oral Allergy Syndrome is primarily…
Continue Reading Oral Allergy Syndrome: Understanding the Triggers, Symptoms, and Treatment

Swollen throat, red eyes, vomiting, and an itchy mouth are indicators of an allergic reaction. While a person can be allergic to several things, such as dust, pollen, animal dander, mold, chemicals, metals, latex, certain medication, and insect stings, food is the most common cause of allergic reactions, affecting 8% of children and 6% of adults in the United States. In fact, over 90% of food allergy reactions are triggered by the consumption of eggs, peanuts, soy, sesame, wheat, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, and cow’s milk.
If not treated promptly, food allergic reactions can give rise to various medical conditions that can…
Continue Reading 5 Food Allergy-Related Medical Conditions