Food Allergy Facts and Statistics

• More then 12 million Americans have food allergies. That's one in 25, or 4 percent of the population
• The incidence of food allergy is highest in young children - one in 17 among those under age 3.
• About 3 million children in the U.S. have food allergies
• In the U.S., food allergy i the leading cause of anaphylaxis ( a severe allergic reaction) outside the hospital setting. A recent analysis of data from U.S. hospital emergency departments estimated a total of 20, 821 hospital ED visits, 2,333 for anaphylaxis, and 520 hospitalizations caused by food allergy in just a 2 month period.
• Each year in the U.S., it is estimated that anaphylaxis caused by food results in 100 to 200 deaths. Death can be sudden, sometimes occurring within minutes.
• Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions in the U.S.: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans), wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish
• There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidances of food allergens and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to food are important measures to prevent serious health consequences.
• Even trace amounts of food allergen can cause a reaction
• Food allergies are life-altering for everyone involved and require constant vigilance.
• An estimated 10 percent of the population may be allergic to animals. 20 to 30 percent of indiviuals with asthma have pet allergies.