Most Americans Affected by Food Allergy in Some Way According to Survey

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online survey of US consumers to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding food allergens, intolerances, and sensitivities. One thousand adults aged 18 and older completed the online survey from January 18-22, 2025, and respondents were weighted to ensure proportional results.

Their key findings include:

• More than half of Americans say that either they or someone in their household has a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity—or that they know someone outside their household who does.
• One in four Americans report they or a member of their household have a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity.
• Unclear labeling is a top concern among those who know someone (including themselves) with a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity.
• Among those who know someone (including themselves) with a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity, 70% report awareness of allergen information on the packaged foods they typically purchase.
• Among those who know someone (including themselves) with a food allergy, intolerance, and/or sensitivity—and who are aware of allergen information on the packaged food they typically purchase:
  • 16% say they always use that information. 
  • 34% say they have a high level of understanding of that information. 
  • 67% say they trust that information.
• Americans place the most trust in primary health care providers for food allergen information, followed by board certified allergists and registered dietitians.
• 16% of Americans say that either they or a household member has sought medical care because of a reaction to a food or beverage.

We at SnackSafely.com have been advocating for necessary changes to US allergen labeling regulations, which are, at best, vague and confusing, making life more difficult for the allergic community than it needs to be.

Here are four straightforward changes that would make food labels much safer for individuals with food allergies and the people who shop for them: