Adverse reactions to foods may be associated with mild or severe health concerns. Immediate food allergies are known to affect just 4% of the population, whereas the less recognised food sensitivities and intolerances are becoming far more common in Australia.

Food sensitivities frequently remain unrecognised. One reason is the majority of allergy specialists in Australia only test for IgE-mediated allergies rather than sensitivities, and most IgE blood panels only check for 5-10 common dietary allergens.