Mustard: Example of a common food allergy

Mustard

The allergen in a food allergy to mustard is found in the mustard seed used to make the mustard. An allergy to mustard seed is rare in the Netherlands.

Examples of ingredients and products that may contain mustard 

• All types of mustard;
• dressings;
• soups;
• sauces;
• mayonnaise;
• ketchup;
• ready meals;
• table acids;
• herb and spice mixes;
• piccalilli.

Symptoms of mustard allergy: Symptoms of mustard allergy are similar to other food allergies: respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, skin symptoms, angioedema and anaphylaxis. Respiratory symptoms manifest as:

• inflamed nasal mucosa;
• Coughing or tickling cough;
• sneezing;
• audible or wheezing;
• tightness of the chest;
• mucus formation;
• asthma.

Symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract are manifested as:

• abdominal pain;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• colic or intestinal cramps;
• inflammations of the oesophagus, stomach lining;
• diarrhoea;
• constipation;
• sometimes mucus or blood in stool.

Skin complaints may include:

• hives (urticaria) acute or chronic;
• hives; this is the most acute reaction with intense itching;
• Atopic eczema;
• fluid accumulation under the skin; when you draw lines on the skin, they remain visible;

Angioedema can occur all over the body, with localised fluid accumulation in the face: especially under the eyes, on the lips and in the cheeks (cheek pouches). In the throat area, life-threatening glottisoedema can occur. This severely impedes breathing.Anaphylaxis, severe general reactions throughout the body, manifests as:

• Initial tingling in mouth, throat, cheeks or tongue;
• Local hives (urticaria);
• Then reactions in many organs;
• often with predominant severe asthma;
• finally, a drop in blood pressure;
• shock.

Point of attention: 

• Note the components of mustard seed; seeds and flour.