Adverse reactions to foods

Abstract

1. One thousand individuals were asked whether they avoided any foods. Of the 560 replies 33% stated that they avoided one or more foods because they caused ‘unpleasant physiological reactions’.2. Adverse reactions to one of thirteen foods were reported by 1–4% of the respondents and it is suggested that this number might be regarded as a standard with which to compare reactions to novel foodstuffs. A total of sixty-seven foods were specifically mentioned as a cause of an adverse reaction.