Welcome to the Internet Symposium on Food Allergens,

This issue deals with allergies to five kernels and seeds which usually take a back seat to the well-recognized most important peanut and hazelnut allergens. Although the incidence of these five allergies is much less life-threatening, anaphylactic reactions may occur. The Allergen Data Collections on Almond (Prunus dulcis), Poppy Seed (Papaver somniferum), Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum), and Sunflower Seed (Helianthus annuus) summarize epidemiological and clinical data as well as study results of allergen characterization and the allergenicity of food products.
While these kernels and seeds are mainly used as whole seeds for garnishing foods or for production of edible oils, the fifth seed focussed on in the Review of Allergy to Mustard Seeds: The Importance of 2S Albumins as Food Allergens is predominately used as a spice. In addition to the clinical features of mustard allergy the article brilliantly points out the role of 2S albumins which can present about 20% of seed storage proteins in legumes, tree nuts, seeds, and kernels.

The important issues with regard to seed allergens raised here will surely also be of concern  beyond the circle of food allergy investigators.

Disclaimer
The information provided by the Internet Symposium on Food Allergens is for educational, communication and information purposes only and is not intended to replace or constitute medical advice or treatments. Neither the authors nor the editorial board of the Internet Symposium on Food Allergens is/are responsible for any use which might be made of the information.

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