Which food item is most likely to cause a severe allergic reaction?

Nuts are widely recognized as a significant allergen that can lead to severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. This heightened risk is due to the proteins found in various types of nuts, such as peanuts and tree nuts (e.g., cashews, walnuts, almonds), which are among the most prevalent allergens. Many individuals with nut allergies have the potential to react strongly even to trace amounts of nuts, further increasing the danger.

Whereas eggs can also cause allergic reactions, the prevalence and severity of nut allergies generally place them at a higher risk category in terms of severe allergic responses. Rice and chicken are not typically associated with severe allergies and tend to be considered safer for those with food sensitivities. Thus, when assessing which food item is most likely to cause a severe allergic reaction, nuts clearly stand out due to their association with severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions.