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Food Allergy Among U.S. Children Increasing According to CDC

Study supports what FAAN has been reporting for many years

A study published by the National Center for Health Statistics division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of every 25 children has a food allergy, representing about a 20% increase between 1997 to 2007.

The study also showed that hospitalizations of children due to food allergy reactions in the U.S. have significantly increased since 1998, with an average of 9,537 hospitalizations a year.

These findings are similar to what FAAN and others have been reporting--food allergy in children is increasing. There is no question that food allergy is a public health concern in children.

“My daughter was diagnosed with an allergy to milk and eggs 24 years ago,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. “Parents today are getting the same advice I was given almost a quarter of a century ago. Parents are simply told to go home and avoid the allergen, and be prepared in case a reaction occurs.”

Several studies have shown that in spite of best efforts to avoid allergens, reactions will occur. The CDC study indicates that an increasing number of these reactions are severe. Children who are living with food allergies need treatment options for preventing reactions.

The increase in the number of children with food allergies clearly shows the need for more research funding to help scientists understand why we are becoming more allergic, how to stop food allergy from developing in children, and how to cure those who already have food allergies.Until there’s a cure, education of patients, health professionals, the food industry and others is key to saving lives.

To view a full copy of the study, visit http://cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db10.htm

About FAAN

Founded in 1991, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in information, resources, and programs for food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that afflicts as many as 15 million Americans, including almost 6 million children. A nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Va., FAAN is dedicated to increasing public awareness of food allergy and its consequences, to educating people about the condition, and to advancing research on behalf of all those affected by it. FAAN provides information and educational resources about food allergy to patients, their families, schools, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, and government officials. On May 9, 2012, FAAN announced its intent to merge with the other leading food allergy organization, the Food Allergy Initiative, pending state regulatory approval. To become a member or for more information, please visit FAAN at www.foodallergy.org.

Media Contact

Nancy Gregory
Media Relations
(703) 563-3066
E-mail: ngregory@foodallergy.org