Why Peas Must Be Added to Food Labels: A Mother’s Urgent Call After Her Son’s Near-Fatal Allergic Reaction

One morning, nine-year-old Rex was getting ready for school. He enjoyed a hot cross bun, but minutes later, he couldn’t breathe. His mom rushed him to the hospital as he was in anaphylactic shock. Rex is allergic to peas and lentils. It turns out the glaze on the bun contained pea protein, which isn’t one of the 14 allergens required to be listed on food labels.

Rex’s situation isn’t isolated. Many parents are concerned about food allergies. A study by Allergy UK revealed that 44% of parents worry about unknown allergens in their children’s food. Rex’s dad, Tom, feels frustrated by this lack of awareness. “It’s like a game of roulette,” he says.

Rex recovered, but incidents like this have made him anxious about eating. He once bought an ice cream, assuming it was safe because he had it before. Unbeknownst to him, it also contained pea protein, leading to another allergic reaction.

Parents like Tom argue for an expanded allergen list to include pea protein. When asked, experts agree that awareness about allergens must increase. Emma, a mother of a child with similar allergies, shared her frustration. “It’s getting harder and harder to say, ‘That probably doesn’t contain peas,’” she said.

Many people don’t recognize pea allergies as severe. Charlotte, 25, who is allergic to all pulses, has found that others think her condition is just a preference. “I feel my allergy is dismissed,” she expressed. She often has to educate others, which can be exhausting and stressful.

A recent study from the UK Food Standards Agency highlights the increasing number of unusual allergens in foods. Experts are advocating for clear labeling that includes lesser-known allergens like pine nuts, buckwheat, and even sheep and goat’s milk.

Another young woman, Annabel, shares her experience. Allergic to pine nuts, she often finds that side discussions about her allergy fall flat. “When I mention pine nuts, they often hear ‘peanuts,’” she says, leading to serious risks. Annabel has faced three anaphylactic reactions, underscoring the urgency for better awareness and labeling.

As more people develop food sensitivities, it’s clear that our food labeling laws need to catch up. Expanding the list of allergens could save lives and ease the minds of parents and individuals living with allergies, ensuring they feel safe when dining out or trying new foods.

The Food Standards Agency recognizes the concern and suggests that increased ingredient transparency across all products is essential for public safety. If we are mindful of these changes, it could significantly reduce allergy-related emergencies in the future.



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