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.

The first national telephone survey in 1997 aimed to determine the prevalence of peanut and tree nut allergy in the U.S.  The follow-up study, conducted in 2002, set off alarms within the food allergy community:  Although the rate of peanut and tree nut allergies had not increased significantly in adults, peanut allergy had doubled among children during the past five years.  Subsequent studies in the United Kingdom and Canada also showed a high prevalence of peanut allergy in schoolchildren.