What percentage of food allergies is accounted for by the big 8?

The big 8 refers to the eight specific food allergens that are responsible for the majority of food allergy reactions. These allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Together, these foods account for approximately 90% of all food allergies in the United States. This statistic highlights the significance of these allergens in both clinical and culinary contexts, as managing allergies effectively requires an understanding of these key foods.

In contrast, the other provided percentages (75%, 85%, and 95%) do not accurately represent the proportion of food allergies attributed to the big 8. Knowing that nearly 90% of food allergies stem from these specific items helps professionals in culinary medicine to prioritize their focus on these allergens when developing safe dietary plans and protocols.