Recently, coincient IgE-mediated allergies to latex and multiple fruits or vegetables have been documented. In vivo and in vitro investigations of clinical specificity have produced complex patterns of allergenic cross-reactivity (suggesting shared or common antigenic components) among botanically-unrelated allergens such as latex and foods. While the details of the clinical association of latex and food allergies await further study, documentation of food allergies known to coexist with latex sensitivities may be useful for identifying the risks of latex exposure for some patients.

Listed below are the allergens reported to be associated (clinically or immunochemically) with natural rubber latex.

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Degree of Association or Prevalence

High	Moderate	Low or Undetermined
(3)	(8)	(21)
Banana	Apple	Pear	Mango
Avacado	Carrot	Peach	Rye
Chestnut	Celery	Plum	Wheat
	Papaya	Cherry	Grasses
	Kiwi	Pineapple	Ragweed
	Potato	Strawberry	Mugwort
	Tomato	Fig	Hazelnut
	Melons	Grape	Walnut
		Apricot	Soybean
		Passion Fruit	Peanut
		Nectarine

Simultaneous occurrence of allergies to certain poollens and foods described above have also been documented in reports independent of those focusing on natural rubber latex. Significant levels of allergenic cross-reactivity have been demonstrated for the allergen groups listed below:

• Mugwort with Carrot, Celery, Apple, Peanut and Kiwi
• Birch with Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry and Hazelnut
• Grasses with Potato
• Ragweed with Banana and Melons