Prevalence and Severity of Self-Reported Adverse Food Reactions among Mexican Adults

Introduction: Globalization has increased access to new foods, potentially contributing to rising allergic sensitization and adverse reactions. This study aims to assess the prevalence of self-reported adverse food reactions (AFRs) among a sample of Mexican adults, examine the severity of reported symptoms, identify the foods most often implicated, and explore factors potentially associated with these reactions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024 among adults in the outpatient waiting rooms of a public hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico. A two-phase questionnaire was employed: the first phase assessed the prevalence of AFRs and their associations with demographic and clinical factors and the second phase, administered to those reporting AFRs, evaluated reaction severity, implicated foods, geographic distribution, and related factors. Results: Data from 1,629 adults in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area were analyzed (mean age: 41.3 ± 15.1 years; 73% were women). The overall prevalence of AFRs was 21.0%, with the highest rates observed in Zapopan (23.2%). Foods associated with AFR severity varied by reaction type. Milk was the primary trigger of nonspecific symptoms, while shrimp predominated in both non-severe and severe convincing reactions. Anaphylaxis was most commonly linked to pecan nuts, followed by shrimp. AFRs were associated with higher education levels, allergic diseases, and a history of drug allergy, asthma, rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis. Older adults (≥60 years) exhibited a lower risk of convincing reactions. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a high prevalence of AFRs among adults, suggesting an underdiagnosis of severe reactions and highlighting their relevance as a public health concern.