PEANUTS - ONE OF THE CHIEF SOURCES OF FOO D ALLERGENS

Peanuts are increasingly present in the diet without the consumer bein g aware. They take a number of forms, having undergone various industr ial processes. They enter into the composition of breakfast cereals, b iscuits, breads, snacks, milks and dairy products, ice creams, drinks, soups and meat substitutes. The main reasons for their use are protei n enrichment and improvement in the theological properties of the fini shed product. Various allergens have been identified : Peanut 1, Ara h I and Ara h II. Patients who are allergic to peanuts must be warned t o be cautious and to carefully check the composition of the food produ cts in their diet until such time as specific labelling to indicate th e presence of peanuts has been made obligatory.