Understanding food allergies: symptoms, common triggers and how to manage them

With food allergies becoming a rising concern in South Africa, the Allergy Foundation of South Africa emphasises the necessity of recognising symptoms and implementing prevention strategies.

If you live in South Africa, you have probably encountered or used expressions like: "It's merely a minor rash," "Perhaps she just ate something that didn't sit well," or "I've simply always struggled with a sensitive tummy".

In our food-loving culture, where connection happens over a shared potjie or a weekend braai, we routinely dismiss chronic discomfort as a minor inconvenience.

But local health experts are issuing a wake-up call. There is a massive difference between food intolerance (a digestive hassle like lactose intolerance) and a true food allergy, which is a potentially life-threatening immune system response.

In observance of World Allergy Week (June 21 to 27), the Allergy Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) highlights the importance of allergy management as a core component of healthcare. You might be surprised to learn about the various allergens that could be hidden in your own kitchen.