Salicylates are substances that occur naturally in many plants and that protect them against insects and diseases. The only form of salicylates that certainly leads to a reaction is acetylsalicylic acid (including Aspirin). This is a medication that has an analgesic, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory effect. People who suffer from hives ( urticaria ), nose and/or sinus problems, or asthma often have a higher risk of aspirin hypersensitivity than those who do not suffer from it.

There is insufficient scientific evidence that foods containing salicylates naturally cause adverse reactions in persons sensitive to salicylic acid, but there is a possibility. People who are hypersensitive to salicylate allergy are often too sensitive to additives such as benzoates, dyes, flavor enhancers.