 [ Symptoms ] what causes food allergies [ Disease ] a true allergic reaction to a food is produced by a mistaken immune response these are called ige mediated allergies because they are triggered when immunoglobulin e antibodies are produced in response to a specific food the child is sensitive to there are also other food sensitivities and reactions that are not ige mediated for example some young children have a condition called enterocolitis an intestinal inflammation in these cases they have gastrointestinal symptoms after ingesting milk or soy formula but no respiratory or skin symptoms these are not ige mediated allergies and kids usually outgrow this condition by age 2 or 3