This week, May 10-16, marks Food Allergy Awareness Week, a time to focus public awareness on food allergy, a condition that affects an estimated 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the US.
Allergic reactions to food can range from a few itchy hives to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Currently, the only way to prevent food-induced allergic reactions is by avoiding triggering foods.