In recent surveys, many people reported they suffer from some form of food allergy. In reality, the actual percentage of true food allergic individuals is much lower than people perceive-perhaps 2% of the population. Following are several facts about food allergies in general and peanut allergies in particular provided by the American Peanut Council.

Exactly what is a food allergy?
A food allergy is any reaction to an otherwise harmless food or food component that involves the body's immune system. A reaction occurs when the body's immune system responds abnormally to the protein or proteins in that particular food. The body reacts by flooding the system with histamines and other chemicals to fight off what is perceived as an invader in the body. Reactions to food or food ingredients that do not involve the immune system are called food intolerance or sensitivities.

Can anyone develop a food allergy?
Although anyone can develop a food allergy, the tendency toward allergic reactions is largely inherited. Where there is a history of atopic disorders (such as asthma or eczema) or other allergies, children may have two to four times the likelihood of developing an allergy as compared to children from families without allergic parents.

Are there common food allergens?
Common foods that are associated with food allergy are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy.

How prevalent are food allergies?
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that confirmed food allergy affect between one and two percent of adults. It is further estimated that approximately six to eight percent of children have some type of food allergy. The most common food allergies among children are milk and egg. A smaller proportion of children suffer from peanut or nut allergies. The exact number of individuals with peanut allergy is not known.

Can anything be done to manage peanut allergy and prevent a reaction?
The only certain way to prevent a reaction is avoidance-there is no treatment to prevent peanut allergy. However, with proper management, awareness, and education, most reactions to food allergens can be avoided.

Individuals with a food allergy should diligently read all food labels and ask questions about foods prepared away from the home (such as in school or a restaurant). In the day care or school setting, parents of a child with food allergy should educate teachers and school staff to be prepared to recognize and treat severe allergic reactions immediately and seek first aid.

In consultation with their physicians, individuals who suffer from severe allergic reactions should always carry appropriate medication such as a self-injectable form of epinephrine (adrenaline). Sufferers should also consider wearing an identity bracelet or medallion to alert others if they have a problem.

What is Unilever Bestfoods' position on banning peanuts and peanut products in schools?

The Food Allergy Network & Anaphylaxis Network has developed food allergy education kits, which it distributes to school nurses and other school officials. These kits help train school administrators how to recognize and treat allergic reactions to food allergies. Properly trained and informed school personnel, working cooperatively with teachers and parents, are best suited to identify and implement safety measures to protect sensitive children while they are at school. Unilever Bestfoods and the other members of the American Peanut Council have supported the distribution of food allergy kits. In addition, Unilever Bestfoods and the American Peanut Council members are funding efforts to develop an anti-allergic peanut vaccine.

At all times, Unilever Bestfoods follows good manufacturing practices. These practices ensure not only the proper labeling of allergen-containing ingredients, but also the effective plant procedures that protect products from ingredient cross contact.

(Some material courtesy of the American Peanut Council)

For More Information About Peanuts Or Food Allergies:

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
10400 Eaton Place, Suite 107
Fairfax, VA 22030-2208
(703) 691-3179
(703) 691-2713 (fax)
http://www.foodallergy.org

The American Peanut Council
1500 King Street, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-9500
(703) 838-9508 (fax)
http://www.peanutsusa.com