According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, more than 11 million consumers suffer from food allergies and those allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting, accounting for an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits and 2,000 hospitalizations annually. In addition, it’s estimated that as many as 200 people die each year from food allergy-related reactions.

Eight foods account for 90 percent of allergic reactions. They include peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. As many as 3 million Americans suffer from peanut allergies, which is the leading cause of severe allergic reactions, followed by allergies to shellfish, fish, tree nuts, and eggs. Currently, there are no cures for food allergies, and the only successful method to manage these allergies is to avoid foods that contain the causative proteins.