Food and allergy.

Food allergy is perhaps the most controversial area of clinical immunology. The literature is filled with anecdotal reports. Food allergy refers to an untoward immune-mediated reaction caused by ingestion of food antigens. It should be distinguished from non-immunological adverse reactions to food since their therapeutic and prognostic implications are different. This review article examines some of the important issues with regards to the pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of food allergy.