Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

Which of the following is a common symptom of food allergies?

1. Mild stomach ache

2. Skin rash or hives

3. Nausea only

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Skin rash or hives

A skin rash or hives is a common symptom of food allergies because allergic reactions typically involve the immune system responding to specific proteins in certain foods. When someone with a food allergy consumes an allergenic food, their body can release histamines and other chemicals, leading to various symptoms. Skin reactions, such as rashes or hives, are among the most visible and immediate responses. It is an indicator that the immune system has identified the food as a potential threat, and this can occur within minutes to a few hours after consuming the allergenic food. While mild stomach aches, nausea, or increased appetite may be related to gastrointestinal reactions, they are not as definitive or characteristic of food allergies as skin rashes or hives are. These gastrointestinal symptoms can also arise from a variety of other issues, such as food intolerances, rather than a specific allergic response. Thus, the presence of a skin rash or hives is a clearer indication of a food allergy.