There is a medical explanation for this.
With 80,000 tonnes consumed each year, kiwi is a very popular fruit which is part of the daily diet of the French. For some, it causes tingling in the mouth and tongue. A “normal” effect according to them but which is not in reality since kiwi is not supposed to sting when you eat it.
If kiwi stings your tongue it is actually a sign of an allergic reaction. This allergy is generally mild and often affects people who are also sensitive to pollen. This phenomenon is called “pollen-food syndrome”. “Being allergic to pollen, for example to birch pollen, means that you are allergic to a certain protein in the tree. However, there are similarities between certain pollen proteins and certain food proteins, so as a result, you can also become allergic to food that contains these same components“ explains Dr Anne Correard, allergist. It can be kiwi but also “of lots of other fruits like apple or stone fruits like peaches.
Pollen-food syndrome is not very severe and generally does not pose a risk to the affected person. “It only impacts the mouth with tingling or possibly a little edema around the lip”, continues the allergist. It initially affects adults but also increasingly affects children. Allergic rhinitis (or hay fever) begins earlier and earlier due to an increase in pollen and global warming: heat degrades pollen, making it more inflammatory. “Added to this is the fact that we are increasingly in contact with toxic substances (pollution, tobacco, etc.), the risks of developing a pollen allergy and of it transforming into pollen-food syndrome increase.” Depending on the discomfort, you either do nothing or you can take an antihistamine and consult an allergist later.
More rarely but it does exist, kiwi allergy can be “much more serious” continues the allergist. It can then cause anaphylaxis, which means it hinders breathing. The person presents breathing difficulties, discomfort or even an anaphylactic “shock” when there is a drop in blood pressure. These symptoms should not be taken lightly: “If the person does not know they are allergic, they must call 15 immediately” says Dr Correard. “If the person knows they are allergic, they must have an emergency kit with them including an adrenaline pen which must be administered to the leg, before calling 15.”