In a message dated 97-06-21 03:54:16 EDT, you write:

<<  Why are eggs so frequently mentioned when one
 > asks if something has dairy in it? >>

Here is more information from FAN at http://foodallergy.org/   Again, I want
to point out some people have lactose intollerance, some have intollerances
and some of us have allergies as medically defined below.  Its interesting
reading!!

Eight foods cause 90% of all food allergic reactions. They are milk,
egg, wheat, peanut, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Milk is the most common cause of food allergies in children. Other
foods most commonly cited are eggs, wheat, peanut, soy and tree
nuts.

Peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish commonly cause the most severe
reactions.

A food allergy is the immune system's reaction to a certain food,
when the body creates IgE antibodies to that food. When these IgE
antibodies react with the food, histamine and other chemicals (called
mediators) are released from various cells within the body. These
mediators cause hives, asthma, or other symptoms of an allergic
reaction.

There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance (by reading
ingredient listings all the time) is the only way to prevent a reaction.

Children with asthma and food allergies are at increased risk for a
severe reaction.

Symptoms can include: vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, hives, swelling,
eczema, itching or swelling of the lips, tongue or mouth, itching or
tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, or wheezing.

Allergic symptoms can begin within minutes to 1 hour after ingesting
the food.

Up to 5 percent of children have food allergies.

Most children outgrow their allergy, although an allergy to peanuts
and tree nuts is considered life-long.
How Little Does it Take?

As little as 1/2 a peanut can cause a fatal reaction for severely allergic
individuals.

Some severely allergic children can have a reaction if milk is splashed
on their skin.

Being kissed by someone who has eaten peanuts for example, can
cause a reaction to severely allergic individuals.
Anaphylaxis Facts

Anaphylaxis is a sudden severe potentially life-threatening allergic
reaction. It can be caused by food allergy, insect stings, or
medications.

Although any food can potentially cause anaphylaxis, peanuts, nuts,
shellfish, fish and eggs are foods that most commonly cause this
reaction.

As little as 1/5 of a teaspoon of the offending food has caused death.

Symptoms can include hives, swelling (especially of the lips and face),
difficulty breathing (either because of swelling in the throat or an
asthmatic reaction), vomiting,diarrhea, cramping, and a fall in blood
pressure. They can occur in as little as 5 to 15 minutes.
Food Allergy Myths

Myth: A recent study showed that up to 25 percent of adults
believe they have food allergies. Scientific studies show, however,
that only 1 to 2 percent of adults truly have a food allergy.

Myth: Food allergies are not real. Not true. An allergic reaction
involves the body's immune system. In the case of food allergy, the
immune system misinterprets a food as a harmful invader and releases
histamine and other chemicals to protect the body from harm.
Symptoms can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory
distress.

Myth: Food allergies should not be taken seriously. Every year
more people die of food allergic reactions, than allergic reactions
caused by insect stings. Food allergies must be taken seriously.

Myth: Food additives and artificial flavors cause the majority
of food allergic reactions. Contrary to common belief, natural foods
account for the majority of allergic reactions. The foods that most
commonly cause reactions are: peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree
nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, and shellfish. These foods
may appear in foods as ingredients or under natural flavors.