Food Allergy Week 2013

Food allergy continues to increase at alarming rates. Whilst researchers across the world try to understand more about food allergy and the increase, those in the Australian community live with the challenge of managing risk whilst maintaining a good quality of life.

1 in 10 infants now have food allergy. The most common food allergies in childhood are cow’s milk, egg, peanut and tree nut. The foods that trigger 90% of food allergic reactions in Australians include cow’s milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. Peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and sesame allergy are usually lifelong.

Risk cannot be removed but it can be managed. The 1 in 10 babies with food allergy need to be cared for in a community that has greater understanding and awareness of food allergy. Individuals at risk of anaphylaxis and those caring for them must know how to reduce the possibility of a reaction, be able to recognise a reaction when it happens and know how to respond.

Support our 1 in 10 campaign and support education and awareness of those with allergy AND those without it!