Food Allergies
Food allergy – a potentially life-threatening condition with no known cure – affects millions of people in the U.S. According to the CDC, there are approximately 4 million children nationwide who have a food allergy.
Although much has been learned about food allergy management and treatment, there are still many unanswered questions. Through advocacy, education and research AAFA aims to improve the lives of people all over the U.S. that are living with food allergies.
National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Releases Report, Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy: Assessment of the Global Burden, Causes, Prevention, Management and Public Policy
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) was one of 11 co-sponsors for a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine a report, Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy: Assessment of the Global Burden, Causes, Prevention, Management, and Public Policy. The report recommends ways to increase our understanding of and approaches to food allergies. The report highlights that food allergy is a significant public health issue, and makes recommendations to increase public safety regarding food allergy and to improve the quality of life for those with food allergies. Recommendations also identify improvements that are needed in various settings, especially food establishments; child care, education; and the travel industry. Information about the project and a copy of the report can be found at: https://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Activities/Nutrition/FoodAllergies.aspx
To watch the webinar of the report release, please visit: http://nationalacademies.org/hmd/Activities/Nutrition/FoodAllergies/2016-NOV-30.aspx
For more materials and information about the report, please visit: http://nationalacademies.org/hmd/reports/2016/finding-a-path-to-safety-in-food-allergy.aspx
AAFA Food Allergy Position Statements and Comment Letters
AAFA Comments on New Model for School Health Services in DC 
AAFA provided comments expressing concern over the new model for school health services that will be implemented in D.C. public schools and public charter schools starting in January 2017.
AAFA Letter About Rising Costs of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
AAFA’s former CEO addresses issues of access and affordability of life-saving epinephrine auto-injectors.
AAFA commented to the Department of Transportation explaining why asthma and allergies should be taken into consideration as disabilities during airline travel.
Allergy Protocols in Federal Facilities
AAFA sent a letter to Federal Occupational Health (FOH) in support of epinephrine stocking and improved allergy policies in federal facilities.
South Carolina’s Emergency Anaphylaxis Treatment Act
AAFA sent a letter in support of South Carolina’s Emergency Anaphylaxis Treatment Act, which would expand access to epinephrine in public places.
Food Labeling Modernization Act
AAFA sent a letter to the sponsors of the Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015 to thank them for introducing the legislation.
FDA Allergenic Products Advisory Committee Spoken Comments
Former AAFA CEO Cary Sennett represented allergy patients’ perspective in testimony before the FDA’s Allergenic Products Advisory Committee.
Institute of Medicine Food Allergy Study
AAFA commented to the Institute of Medicine regarding the study, Food Allergies: Global Burden, Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Public Policy.
View more position statements and a comment letter from AAFA.
AAFA Co-Sponsored Report With the National Academies of Medicine
With support from AAFA, the National Acadmies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine releases a monumental report that makes recommendations to increase our understanding of and approaches to food allergies. Read AAFA’s official press release.
Food Allergy Patient and Family Registry
The Food Allergy Patient and Family Registry is a program to collect, manage and analyze data from and about people with food allergies. It was created to advance research through patient information.
You can sign up to participate in the registry for yourself and for one or more family members, such as your minor children. If you have one or more children with food allergies, please add a new profile to your account for each child.
By joining the Food Allergy Patient and Family Registry, you can help improve the quality of life for you, your family and the millions of others living with food allergies. Registration is easy, and participation is both voluntary and free.
Simply click Start Now to enter as a new or returning user.
Epinephrine in Schools
AAFA supports school policies that promote access to life-saving medications to treat students and staff who experience severe allergic reactions. States should implement policies that promote access, including supplying schools with epinephrine auto-injectors to be used in emergencies, appropriately training school personnel and addressing liability concerns for those who use this medication in good-faith.
Learn more about AAFA’s position on epinephrine in schools.
Federal Publications and Resources
What You Need to Know About Food Allergies
This food allergy fact sheet from the Food and Drug Administration provides what you need to know about food allergies, FDA labeling and what to do if an allergic reaction occurs.
Food Allergies: Reducing the Risks
This report discusses how consumers can reduce their risk of being exposed to food allergies. The FDA discusses major allergens, food labeling and gives advice for consumers about how best to protect themselves against a possible food allergic reaction.
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) worked with more than 30 professional organizations, federal agencies and patient advisory groups to develop a list of “best practice” clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies. These guidelines were developed for allergists/immunologists, clinical researchers and practitioners.
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States: Summary for Patients, Families and Caregivers
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) worked with many professional organizations, federal agencies and patient advocacy groups to develop guidelines on food allergy for health care professionals. This booklet summarizes these guidelines and encourages patient-doctor conversations about food allergy. This booklet is meant to provide patients, families and caregivers with the knowledge they need to manage their food allergies.