What is the difference between food allergy and intolerance?

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Bob Gravani
Professor of Food Science, Cornell University
Cornell University Department of Food Science  

Dr. Robert Gravani is a Professor of Food Science in the Department of Food Science. He received a BS degree in Food Science from Rutgers University and his MS and PhD degrees in Food Science from Cornell University with minors in microbiology and food marketing/management. He was appointed to the food science faculty in 1978 and currently serves as the Department Extension Leader and Director of the National Good Agricultural Practices Program.

Dr. Gravani's primary responsibilities are in the area of food science/food safety extension and outreach where he maintains a very active program and conducts short courses, seminars, and workshops for food processors, food retailers, the foodservice industry, and government regulatory agencies. He is interested in the microbiological safety and quality of foods and consumer knowledge of these important issues.

What is the difference between food allergy and intolerance?

This video will discuss food allergies, how to cope with reactions and identifying specific food allergens.

This expert: 51,831 views

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Host: What is the difference between food allergy and intolerance?

Robert B. Gravani: A true food allergy really involves the immune system, it's a immune system response to a protein. Intolerance does not involve the immune system and a good example of this would lactose intolerance. About 25% of the U.

S. population is lactose intolerant, that is they lack an enzyme called lactase that allows them to digest if you will the milk sugar lactose and those who cannot digest usually have lots of rumbling and gas and a feeling of loading in diarrhea when they consume dairy products but it does involve the immune system.

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