Food allergies are a pressing and growing concern worldwide, affecting millions and reshaping the way we approach food & beverage safety as well as product labeling. Unlike food intolerances, which cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening, food allergies can trigger severe immune responses, with some cases escalating to potentially fatal anaphylaxis. For those affected, careful management of food allergens is a daily necessity, while for the food industry, it presents a crucial responsibility to prevent cross-contamination, ensure transparent labeling, and support safer consumer experiences. The Growing Prevalence of Food Allergens The term ‘ food allergen’ refers to specific proteins in certain foods that can trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals. When someone with a food allergy encounters an allergenic food, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies...