When most people think about food allergies, thoughts of peanut-induced anaphylaxis might spring to mind.  Are you familiar with Food-pollen allergy syndrome or Latex-fruit syndrome?  Well, when my husband and I first met, I was not.  I actually laughed at him.  My husband, at the time, was not the healthiest person.  So, naturally when he told me that fresh carrots, celery, and cherries made his throat itch, I thought he was trying to keep his crazy-dietitian-girlfriend from fixing his diet.  

About the time that my nephew was diagnosed with mild peanut and milk protein allergies, I started delving more into food allergy literature.  I now, for the entire world to read, apologize to my husband for giving him such a hard time!  So, lets explore these two poorly-known allergies: 

Food-Pollen Allergy Syndrome

This is also referred to as oral allergy syndrome and fresh-fruit syndrome.  This condition occurs in 25-50% of people suffering from seasonal allergies.  Within a few minutes of eating a fresh fruit or veggie, this person can experience itchiness of the mouth/throat.  Symptoms last about 20-30 minutes and then disappear.   It's caused by similar allergens that are found in both the pollen and some fresh foods.  An allergy skin test may confirm the allergy.  

Problem foods:

• Apple
• Peach
• Apricot
• Cherry
• Hazelnut
• Almond
• Melon
• Kiwi
• Banana
• Carrot
• Celery
• Parsnip

Latex-fruit syndrome

Another lesser known food allergy can affect those with latex allergies.  Certain fresh foods (specifically kiwi, water chestnut, avocado, mango, and sometimes potato) can cause an allergic reaction as these foods share similar proteins as latex.