A food allergy is a medical condition in which a person has an allergic reaction after eating a certain food. The allergic reaction occurs when the immune system attacks proteins in normally harmless foods. The proteins that trigger the reaction are called allergens. Food Allergy Research and Education estimates that 32 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.6 million children under the age 18. There is no cure for food allergies, and strictly avoiding allergens is the only way to prevent a reaction. Through education and training, foodservice professionals can provide a safe and trusted dining experience for their customers, enhancing the guest experience by understanding and appreciating their specific needs. In this video we familiarize ourselves with the top 8 most common food allergens.