Food allergies: what are they?

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common. About 6% of children and 1-2% of adults have some form of true food allergy.

Food allergy is where the immune system reacts to a food, causing symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Reactions are usually due to the proteins in certain foods and occur each time the food is eaten, although the symptoms may be more or less severe each time.

Managing food allergies

The most important part of managing a food allergy is to avoid all foods causing the allergy. It is important to read food labels and ingredients lists on all packaged foods.

New food labelling laws mean that any food containing an allergenic food must be clearly marked as such. However, many foods say 'may contain traces of…'. Food manufacturers are not required to put this on their products, but may do so to protect themselves from litigation, despite there being very little risk.

However, many do so to protect 'at risk' people, as there may be contamination of the food with allergen, particularly foods manufactured on the same production line. Always ring the food manufacturer if it's unclear whether a food is allergen-free or not. If there is even only a small risk of allergen being in the food, or if there is any uncertainty, it must be avoided.

When eating out, ask about ingredients and, again, if there is any uncertainty, avoid the food. It may be appropriate to provide food for your child when they are invited to parties, and to have a source of 'safe' food available at kindy or school for special occasions or celebrations.

If a child has an allergic reaction, it depends on the severity of the reaction as to what treatment is required, and your doctor can advise you as to what is needed. If your child is considered to be at risk of having an anaphylactic reaction, they should be prescribed adrenaline (Epipen®) and given an anaphylaxis action plan, which describes what to do in the event of a reaction.

Children with food allergies should live very happy, normal lives. We need to protect them at all times, and ensure that while doing so that we do not allow their nutrition to suffer.

Taken from Healthy Food For Life
Info by Dr Jane Peake (MBBS, FRACP, DTM&H) Paediatric Immunologist and Allergist