Summary
Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend products sold nationwide at Target stores have been recalled for containing undeclared shrimp.
The shrimp poses a severe risk to those with known food allergies and sensitivities.
Nearly 60,000 units were distributed and contain a best if used by da…
Source: Delish
AI News Q&A (Free Content)
Q1: What are some of the most common food allergens, and how do they affect individuals with food allergies?
A1: Common food allergens include cow's milk, peanuts, eggs, shellfish, fish, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and sesame. These allergens can trigger an abnormal immune response in individuals with food allergies, leading to symptoms that range from mild to severe. These symptoms may include itchiness, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. The prevalence of food allergies is increasing, affecting about 4% to 8% of people in the developed world.
Q2: How is a food allergy diagnosed, and what are common management strategies?
A2: Food allergies are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, elimination diet, skin prick tests, blood tests for food-specific IgE antibodies, or oral food challenges. Management involves avoiding the allergenic food and having an emergency plan, such as carrying adrenaline (epinephrine) for severe reactions. Medical alert jewelry is also recommended for individuals with severe allergies.
Q3: What are the implications of undeclared allergens in food products, and how do recalls help protect consumers?
A3: Undeclared allergens in food products, such as shrimp in the Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl, pose a significant risk to individuals with food allergies, potentially leading to severe allergic reactions. Recalls are vital for consumer protection as they help prevent exposure to harmful allergens by removing affected products from the market. This action minimizes the risk of allergic reactions and ensures consumer safety.
Q4: What is the significance of cross-reactivity in oral allergy syndrome, and how does it differ from typical food allergies?
A4: Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) involves cross-reactivity between pollen and certain foods, leading to allergic reactions in the mouth and throat when consuming raw fruits and vegetables. Unlike typical food allergies, which are mediated by IgE antibodies in the gastrointestinal tract, OAS is linked to pollen allergies. Symptoms usually occur in individuals with hay fever and are not typically severe.
Q5: What recent research insights have been found regarding eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases and food allergies?
A5: Recent research has shown that primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are associated with recurring gastrointestinal symptoms and eosinophilic inflammation. Food elimination diets are a common treatment, but there have been cases of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to previously tolerated foods after elimination diets. This highlights the complexity of managing EGIDs and the need for careful reintroduction of foods.
Q6: How have trends in the prevalence of adverse food reactions changed over the past decade in specific regions?
A6: In western Mexico, a study comparing data from two cross-sectional surveys conducted 11 years apart found no significant changes in the prevalence of adverse food reactions among adults. This suggests that while some regions experience increases in allergic diseases, others may see stable rates, indicating regional variations in allergy trends.
Q7: What factors contribute to the increasing frequency of food allergies, particularly in developed countries?
A7: Factors contributing to the rise in food allergies include genetic predisposition, changes in diet and environment, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, and high levels of cleanliness, which may affect immune system development. Increasing awareness and better diagnostic methods also contribute to the reported rise in food allergy prevalence.
References:
- Food allergy - Wikipedia
- Should allergic sensitization be assessed in patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases under dietary treatment before reintroduction?
- More than ten years without changes in the prevalence of adverse food reactions among Mexican adults: Comparison of two cross-sectional surveys
