About
Foodborne Illness
Food Allergies

Millions of Americans have food allergies with reactions that range from minor to life-threatening. Food allergies appear to be more prevalent in children and some people may not know they have an allergy to a certain food product. Children may grow out of some of their food allergies, but adults likely will not. In some cases, a reaction may occur from something as simple as a person being in the same room as a product they are allergic to.

Food allergies have no cure, but with early identification and taking the proper precautions when selecting foods, the effects of the food allergies can be minimized.

The eight foods that are most common to allergic reactions are:
  1. milk
  2. peanuts
  3. eggs
  4. tree nuts
  5. soy
  6. fish
  7. wheat
  8. shellfish
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
  • itching around the mouth
  • swelling of the face or extremeties
  • hives or rash
  • dizziness
  • shortness of breath
  • loss of consciousness
  • abdominal cramps
  • vomiting/diarrhea
If you or someone you are with appears to be having a allergic reaction to food, you should seek medical care.

FDA - Food Allergies: What You Need to Know

Fish Consumption

Fish is a nutritious food, but some may contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Chemicals can get into the waters fish live in by various means, such as surface run-off, and then be consumed by the fish in the food they eat. Some examples of chemicals that could contaminate fish are mercury and PCBs. If you consume contaminated fish, you will not necessarily get sick, but chemicals could build up in your body over time. In an effort to protect the public from consuming potentially contaminated fish, Illinois will issue an advisory to provide guidance on eating sport fish from state waters. Following the guidance in the fish advisory can help to keep you exposure to these contaminants low.

IDPH has provided information concerning eating fish and how fish advisories are issued:

Illinois Fish and Your Health

Fish Advisories in Illinois

Current Illinois Fish Advisory

Expectant Mother's Guide to Eating Illinois Fish