Food intolerance and other reactions. There are a number of reactions to food that cause similar symptoms to a food allergy. Depending on the type of food intolerance you have, you may be able to eat small amounts of problem foods without a reaction.ommon conditions that can cause symptoms mistaken for a food allergy include: 1  Absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. 2  Food poisoning. 3  Sensitivity to food additives. 4  Histamine toxicity.