Milk Allergy and being lactose intolerant are two different medical conditions.
Milk Allergy - you carry an antibody in your blood that reacts to an antigen (what you are allergic to). These types of allergies can cause urticaria (swelling) and anaphylaxis which is life threatening. Like a peanut allergy for instance is an actual allergy and not a dietary condition. This can be tested by skin patch testing and or bloodwork.
Lactose intolerant - simply means your body doesn't produce enough Lactase (enzyme) to break down the Lactose (milk sugar). "Lactose free" products simply add this enzyme to their products (Lactase) and is what is in the tablets you can purchase at the Pharmacy. This is typically diagnosed by a food elimination trial as to my understanding does not show up on skin patch testing or bloodwork.
I would maybe question the inclusion of actual food allergies in the game as those can be fatal, however I do not see any issues adding Lactose Intolerance into the game, or being a Vegetarian.
With respect to it being a trait or a preference, I think it comes down to what is actually possible from a coding perspective. If it isn't broken or bugged, and it is working as a 'trait' then IMO leave well enough alone. If new categories are being added into the game then it makes it much more complex I would imagine from a coding perspective, and subject to bugs in game.
I do not believe this was intended to offend anyone by including this as a trait. By adding it into the game, even if it isn't in the manner that is preferable to some, it at least brings awareness to these conditions. That right there I think is a success in my view.
Disclaimer: The above is not intended to imply medical advice and I am not a medical professional. I have lactose intolerance and other allergies so I am just aware of the difference. I also do not want to diminish the effects from Lactose intolerance as this condition can cause extreme pain in addition to other complications when combined with other conditions and symptoms etc.
