Allergen

A substance that triggers an immune response in sensitised individuals. In food regulation, "major allergens" are specific ingredients subject to mandatory labeling: in the USA (FDA), these are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (top 9); in the EU, 14 allergens must be declared on the label. Soy, milk, and wheat are particularly relevant to the nutraceutical and food ingredient sector.