Which of the following is a common food allergen?

Peanuts are recognized as one of the most common food allergens. The body's immune system can mistakenly identify proteins in peanuts as harmful, prompting an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. This reaction can range from mild symptoms like hives or digestive discomfort to severe responses such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Due to the prevalence of peanut allergies, food handlers and restaurant operators must be vigilant in avoiding cross-contamination and clearly labeling menu items that may contain peanuts or have been prepared in environments where peanuts are present. Awareness and proper management of peanut allergens are critical in food service settings to ensure customer safety.

While eggs, fish, and wheat are also common allergens, peanuts stand out due to the severity and frequency of allergic reactions associated with them in the general population.