FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) has released the “National Indicator Report on Food Allergy,” which provides a detailed overview of food allergy in the United States. The report, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Food Allergy AWARE initiative, was launched during the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.
Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE, stated: "Food allergy affects millions of Americans, yet it continues to be widely underestimated as a serious public health issue. This report establishes a current baseline for food allergy, giving the public a fuller understanding of the scope and impact of this disease. It also provides clinicians, researchers and policymakers with the scientific grounding needed to drive investment and improve care for the more than 33 million people in the U.S. living with food allergy.”
The report highlights that more than 33 million people in the U.S., including roughly 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children, are affected by food allergies. Among over 27 million adults with food allergies, nearly half developed at least one allergy during adulthood. Additionally, 21 percent reported all their allergies began after age 18.
A recent study cited in the report estimates that food allergies cost society $370.8 billion annually in the U.S., with an average annual cost per patient around $22,000.
The document also notes workforce shortages among allergists; there are about 5,200 practicing allergists nationwide—approximately 1.6 per 100,000 people.
Despite evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness, epinephrine is not always carried or used by those with food allergies. According to a survey from 2015-2016 referenced in the report, only 24 percent of adults and just over 40 percent of children had a current prescription for epinephrine.
Alongside its main findings, FARE is providing a two-page media reference guide intended to help journalists accurately cover issues related to food allergy.
Christopher Warren, PhD led work on this indicator report with input from members of the Food Allergy AWARE Advisory Council (FAAAC). The full National Indicator Report on Food Allergy can be accessed online along with a Quick Reference Guide for Food Allergy.
