Mustard allergy

Mustard originally came from China and has by now been established as the most popular condiment in Central Europe. Mustard contains mustard seed oil, glycosides and more than 20 % protein. These protein compounds can cause allergic reactions. The allergenic potential of mustard is quite high: a few milligrams suffice to cause an allergic reaction. [1] However, as yet only few people in Germany are afflicted by an allergy to mustard.

The allergens causing pathological reactions to mustard are very heat-resistant and hard to degrade enzymatically. [2] Mustard allergies are especially common in France; that is probably due to the many different kinds of mustard used in French cuisine.