Which of these is NOT considered a major food allergen?

In the context of food allergens, the term "major food allergens" typically refers to a specific set of foods that account for the majority of allergic reactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes eight major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. These allergens are required to be labeled clearly on food packaging due to their potential to cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Beef is not included in this list of major allergens. While some individuals can develop allergies to beef or other meats, these allergies are relatively less common compared to those caused by the foods classified as major allergens. Therefore, identifying beef as not being a major food allergen aligns with established guidelines and allergen regulations.

Eggs, shellfish, and wheat, in contrast, are recognized as significant allergens due to the higher incidence of allergic reactions they can cause in the population, making them critically important for food safety and label transparency.