UK Government issues new allergy advice

In August 2009, the UK Food Standards Agency revised its advice to consumers about eating peanuts during pregnancy, breastfeeding and the first few years of life, in relation to the risk of developing peanut allergy in childhood.

The change in advice followed a major review of the scientific evidence that showed there is no clear evidence that eating or not eating peanuts (or foods containing peanuts) during pregnancy, breastfeeding or early childhood has any effect on the chances of a child developing a peanut allergy.

The advice now states that:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can choose to eat peanuts or foods containing peanuts, whether or not they have a family history of allergies.
• Mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies up to 6 months. If parents choose to start giving solid foods earlier, they should not introduce peanuts or other nuts, seeds, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish (or foods containing these) until after 6 months.
• Where a child has a known allergy, or if there is a history of allergy in a child's immediate family, parents should talk to their GP, Health Visitor or medical allergy specialist.

Prior to issuing the revised advice, the Food Standards Agency commissioned a review to capture feedback from relevant stakeholders regarding whether and how the revised advice could be improved before it was issued to the public. Most stakeholders were positive about the revised advice, however there was a feeling of discomfort amongst many consumers due to a perception that the Government was endorsing mothers and mothers-to-be eating peanuts despite an absence of definitive evidence in this area.

The full review has been published and can be downloaded as a PDF from www.food.gov.uk or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .