A rice allergy is a potentially deadly response by a person’s immune system to rice or foods containing rice. After a susceptible person ingests rice, the immune system reacts with the release of histamines and other chemicals that trigger symptoms that can range from mild to life–threatening. While somewhat rare in the United States, rice allergy still affects a small portion of the population.

The low incidence of rice allergy in the United States has given rise to the myth that rice is a hypoallergenic food that will not cause allergies. In fact, rice allergy is not unusual in Japan and other nations where rice is a staple food. Rice pollen also causes allergies when inhaled, and the symptoms mimic those of hay fever.

There is no way to know whether a person with a rice allergy is likely to have a mild or severe reaction after eating rice products. Symptoms that begin as mild to moderate can quickly intensify and lead to potentially life–threatening anaphylactic shock. Therefore, those with this allergy must avoid the grain altogether. There are several foods that can serve as substitutes for rice. A person with a rice allergy who accidentally consumes rice must seek immediate medical attention.