Food Allergies Spread

An analysis by FAIR Health, an independent nonprofit that reviews health and dental claims filed by individuals, shows that severe allergic reactions to foods like peanuts have increased five-fold in the past 10 years. Studies now show that as many as 8% of children have a food allergy, with nearly 40% reflecting a history of severe reactions. More than a fourth of all claims were linked to peanuts, while tree nuts such as walnuts, pistachios and seeds accounted for 18%. One interesting fact is that a third of all claims were in people over the age of 18.