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Food Allergy Awareness Kit

Food Allergy Awareness Week and National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.” It’s a peak season for people with allergies and asthma and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, school staff, coaches, and other people about these diseases.

AAFA’s food allergy division, Kids with Food Allergies (KFA), honors Food Allergy Awareness Week the second full week of May. In 2023, it occurs May 14-20.

An illustration of a dark skinned girl with girls with a high pony tail and the text Food Allergy Awarenes food allergies can be challenging. Join KFA for support and tools to help you manage easier.

Quick Facts (Download Fact Sheet):

  • About 20 million people in the U.S. have food allergies (4 million are children).1,2
  • Food allergies can develop at any time, but it starts in childhood most often.3
  • Any food can cause food allergy. The most common food allergens in the United States are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, and sesame.3
  • Children with food allergies are more likely to have asthma or other allergic diseases.3
  • Each year in the U.S., it is estimated that anaphylaxis to food results in 90,000 emergency room visits.4
  • Severe allergic reactions to food need prompt treatment with epinephrine.3
  • Although new treatments are being developed, there is currently no cure for food allergies.5

Get Involved and Take Action:

This year’s theme is debunking myths and misinformation about asthma and allergies, including what causes them and how to treat them. Use our resources and tools to spread awareness during May and all year long

References

1. Ng, A.E. & Boersma, P. (2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 460: Diagnosed allergic conditions in adults: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122809

2. Zablotsky, B., Black, L.I., & Akinbami, L.J.(2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 459: Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0-17 years: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:123250

3. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. (2022). Food Allergy. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/

4. Clark, S., Espinola, J., Rudders, S. A., Banerji, A., & Camargo, C. A. (2011). Frequency of US emergency department visits for food-related acute allergic reactions. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(3), 682–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2010.10.040

5. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2023). Food Allergies.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/food-allergies

Countdown to Food Allergy Awareness Month

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A teal ribbon with the text food allergy awareness.