A new article reviews possible risk factors and theories for the development of food allergy. It is noted that previous strategies to prevent food allergy through allergen avoidance during pregnancy, breast-feeding, and infancy have more recently been called into question.

Two major prevalence studies, conducted five years apart, previously revealed the rapid growth of peanut allergy among U.S. children under the age of 18. A third follow-up study is about to be conducted, covering 5,500 households - approximately 16,000 individuals - to compare the results to the earlier surveys.  Among other important data, the study will show whether peanut allergies are still on the rise in children.

A Sydney skin specialist recently told delegates at the  Australasian College of Dermatologists’ Annual Scientific Meeting that Australians are the world's worst allergy hypochondriacs, believing they have a sensitivity to food when they do not. Moreover, Professor Connie Katelaris, Professor of Immunology and Allergy at Campbelltown Hospital, maintains that women are more likely than men to attribute a skin condition due to a food reaction.

The European Union has allocated 6 million euros to the University of Helsinki for a 5 year research project investigating the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ in relation to induction of food allergies.  The project, entitled DIABIMMUNE, aims to establish whether the decrease in the infection load is connected to type 1 diabetes and the emergence of allergies.

A Sydney skin specialist recently told delegates at the  Australasian College of Dermatologists’ Annual Scientific Meeting that Australians are the world's worst allergy hypochondriacs, believing they have a sensitivity to food when they do not.  Professor Connie Katelaris, Professor of Immunology and Allergy at Campbelltown Hospital, maintains that women are more likely than men to attribute a skin condition due to a food reaction.

A review of the Europrevall research projects into food allergy was recently presented on Euronews, the international news channel covering world news from a European perspective. The 8 minute program, entitled ‘The future for food allergy research’ is currently available via
www.euronews.net