By Rebecca Whittaker

Copyright independent

A new study recommends adding four emerging foods to the mandatory allergen risk list in the UK and EU due to increasing severe reactions.

Goat’s and sheep’s milk, buckwheat, peas-lentil, and pine nuts are proposed for inclusion, alongside other foods of concern like kiwifruit and bee products.

Between 2002 and 2023, the Allergy Vigilance Network recorded 413 severe reactions and two deaths in Europe linked to these newly identified allergens.

Researchers attribute the rise in these allergies to changing dietary habits, such as increased consumption of plant-based foods and novel ingredients like pea protein.

Allergy UK is stressing the importance of clear food labelling and urges the 21 million people in the UK with allergies to exercise caution.