Halloween reinforces need for action: 85% increase in emergency care for allergic reactions to peanuts in kids
October 30, 2024 – To better support the more than 3 million Canadians living with food allergy and the people who care for them at Halloween and all year round, Food Allergy Canada and the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology are launching an updated, comprehensive, and evidence-based National Food Allergy Action Plan with recommendations for policy makers.
“This plan offers a path forward for Canada to strengthen prevention measures, diagnosis capacity, treatment, and supports for children and adults with food allergy and reduce pressure on our public health care system,” said Jennifer Gerdts, Executive Director of Food Allergy Canada.
The launch of the updated Action Plan comes as children prepare to trick or treat for Halloween which can be an anxious time for families of the more than 600,000 children with food allergy: allergic reactions to peanuts in children requiring emergency care increases by 85% at Halloween compared to the rest of the year, according to a 2020 Canadian study.
Only a small amount of an allergen can cause a potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis which is rapid in onset. Avoidance has been the primary means for staying safe. However, there are increasingly known options that could prevent food allergy and treatments that can reduce the severity of reactions which need to be made readily accessible to Canadians at risk.
“Research over the past two decades has significantly advanced our understanding of food allergy yet we are failing to act on this new information for the betterment of Canadians living with food allergy, our health care system, and our economy,” said Dr. Harold Kim, Past President, Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Several studies and reports in recent years provide important insights into this medical condition, its individual and societal impacts, and strategies for prevention and treatment. Consider:
- Food allergy creates a significant impact on the psychosocial well-being of individuals and their families and creates financial burden
- 1% of all emergency department visits are due to allergic reactions and such visits doubled in 7 years
- First-line treatment is prompt use of epinephrine, yet it is underutilized in community settings
- While nearly 25,000 infants per year are currently diagnosed with food allergy, introducing peanut
between 4-11 months of age and maintaining it in the diet shows an 80% reduction in peanut allergy - For infants who have an allergic reaction, early treatment intervention is showing disease-modifying
potential - Recent research shows 74% of those undergoing oral immunotherapy treatment are very satisfied yet 55% of those seeking treatment indicate access-related barriers
- Prevention offers enormous benefits: a 50% reduction in peanut and egg allergy could reduce excess
household costs by $3.3 billion and prevent 20,000 emergency department visits over a 10-year basis
Among the specific recommendations offered in the Action Plan, Food Allergy Canada and CSACI call for federal leadership in:
- Building public awareness of anaphylaxis and how to treat it
- Taking action to mitigate the risk of drug shortages and prioritizing the review of new epinephrine
delivery systems: Canada is currently vulnerable to epinephrine auto-injector shortages with just
one manufacturer (EpiPen®) - Mandating prevention of food allergy as a public health priority, and including early introduction
guidance into infant health programs and policies - Working with the provinces to develop a care pathway that supports hesitant parents/caregivers in
early introduction of allergenic foods to infants, and early treatment for those who have an allergic
reaction
“Now is the time for policymakers to act,” said Ms. Gerdts. “We have a clear path backed by evidence, now we need political leadership to move it forward.”
About Food Allergy Canada
Food Allergy Canada is a national non-profit and Canada’s leading patient organization committed to educating, supporting, and advocating for the more than three million Canadians impacted by food allergy. The organization focuses on providing the education and support needed to effectively navigate food allergy, building informed and supportive communities, and acting as the national voice on key issues.
About the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI)
The CSACI is the largest national professional medical specialty organization in Canada
representing physicians, allied health professionals and scientists with special expertise in the management of allergic and immunologic diseases. The Society is also dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with allergies through research, advocacy, continuing professional development and public education.
-30-
For more information or to arrange a separate interview please contact:
Christopher Holcroft
Empower Consulting, for Food Allergy Canada
416-996-0767/ christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca