HomeFood allergy basicsFood allergy 101What is food allergy?Priority food allergens

Priority food allergens

You can be allergic to any food, but some allergies are more common than others. Health Canada lists certain foods as “priority food allergens”, as these foods are associated with 90% of allergic reactions in Canada.

Egg, flour, milk, and tree nuts on wooden table.

You can be allergic to any food, but some allergies are more common than others. Health Canada lists the following as “priority food allergens”, which are the foods associated with 90% of allergic reactions in Canada, and has established specific labelling requirements for them.

Learn about Canada’s priority food allergens, including information on how to avoid the allergens, what the common names are, how they are labelled on food products, examples of where the allergen is found, possible sources of the allergen, and how to report a reaction. You will also find quick facts as well as how to recognize an allergic reaction.

Crustaceans and molluscs

Crustaceans and molluscs are sometimes collectively referred to as shellfish. Learn more about this allergy, including possible sources of crustaceans and molluscs, how to avoid them, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Boiled prawn and lobster on stone plate
Egg

Learn about egg allergy, including possible sources of eggs, how to avoid eggs, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

White eggs, one broken egg showing yolk
Fish

Learn about fish allergy, including possible sources of fish, how to avoid it, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Cooked cedar planked salmon with lemon and dill meal
Milk

Learn about milk allergy, including possible sources of milk, how to avoid milk, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Various fresh dairy products on wooden background
Mustard

Learn about mustard allergy, including possible sources of mustard, how to avoid mustard, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Various forms of mustard.
Peanut

Learn about peanut allergy, including possible sources of peanut, how to avoid peanut, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Peanut butter and peanuts in and out of shells
Sesame

Learn about sesame allergy, including possible sources of sesame, how to avoid it, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Sesame seeds on spoon
Soy

Learn about soy allergy, including possible sources of soy, how to avoid soy, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Soy bean, tofu and other soy products
Tree nuts

Learn about tree nut allergy, including possible sources of tree nuts, how to avoid them, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Mixed nuts on wooden table and bowl
Wheat and triticale

Learn about allergy to wheat and triticale, including possible sources, how to avoid them, and what you can do to be allergy-aware

Table full of grains and other wheat sources