Approximately 12 million people in the U.S. have food allergies, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, and total avoidance of the trigger food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. Knowing all of the ingredients in every prepared meal, even a simple pizza order, is essential for people with food allergies.
Dairy Allergy
The most obvious food allergen of concern for pizza lovers is dairy, because cheese is a primary topping on nearly every kind of pie. People with dairy allergy who come in contact with cheese pizza or accidentally eat some cheese may experience wheezing, cough, hives, rash or severe anaphylactic breathing problems.
Wheat Allergy
People with a wheat allergy actually react to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley grains. Any pizza dough made with traditional white, wheat, bread or 00 flours, for example, will cause an allergic reaction in people with a wheat allergy. Although restaurants infrequently offer gluten-free pizza crusts, people with this food allergy can make their own wheat-free pizzas at home by using gluten-free flours or non-gluten grains, such as quinoa powder.
Tree Nut Allergy
Unexpected allergic reactions may occur after eating a pizza in people allergic to tree nuts as well. Some food-allergic individuals are so food sensitive that they cannot eat nonallergic foods that were processed or made in the same kitchen or factory as a food that causes their allergic reaction. Pignoli, a pine nut used in Italian kitchens to make pesto and other dishes, may contaminate pizza dough when used in the same location, in contact with the same utensils or made by the same hands.
Egg Allergy
Similarly, pizzas made in the same kitchen as egg pastas may become contaminated with egg allergens and lead to an allergic reaction in people with highly sensitive allergies to eggs. Rarely, egg may be used in the dough and listed as an ingredient. Egg may be brushed onto the dough before baking as well; even this use requires the inclusion of egg on an ingredient list to ensure safety of any egg-allergic individuals. People with any type of food allergy should always be vigilant about expected and uncommon ingredients before they eat any food products.
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