Food allergies and intolerances: labels and next steps

Learn what Canadian packaged-food labels can tell you, why allergies and intolerances differ, and when to seek medical help.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

A food allergy involves an immune response to a food protein. An intolerance has a different mechanism, although symptoms can overlap. Symptoms alone do not reliably diagnose the cause, and commercial sensitivity tests are not a substitute for medical assessment.

Read the package carefully

Health Canada's priority allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, soy, wheat or triticale, and mustard. Sulphites are also subject to declaration requirements. Check the full ingredient list and any “Contains” statement every time; recipes, brands and manufacturing conditions can change. Learn more from Health Canada's allergen information.

Ask for a proper assessment

If a food repeatedly causes symptoms, discuss them with a physician or other appropriate health professional. Keep a short factual record of the food, timing and symptoms if that helps the appointment, but do not deliberately re-test a suspected allergen at home. Avoid removing major food groups long-term without advice, especially for a child.

Know the emergency plan

A severe allergic reaction can progress quickly. If an epinephrine auto-injector has been prescribed, follow the person's emergency plan and call 911 for suspected anaphylaxis. Antihistamines are not a substitute for epinephrine in anaphylaxis.

For babies starting solids, see introducing solid foods and discuss individual concerns with the child's care team. The label portion converter only scales numbers; it does not identify allergens or determine whether a product is safe.

Sources and limits

For diagnosis and treatment, consult a qualified health professional. Sources: Health Canada, Food Allergies and Intolerances and Food Allergen Labelling; emergency instructions should follow the patient's prescribed plan.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.