Forty-nine percent of Americans say they are only somewhat or not at all knowledgeable about food allergies, according to a new national survey of 1,031 American adults. Many people also have misconceptions about food allergies, including believing there is little or no difference between food allergies and food intolerances, and that someone with a food allergy can eat small amounts of a food without having a reaction.
It’s in this environment that the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) and American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology (ACAAI) launched a public service campaign to raise awareness of accurate food allergy diagnosis and effective management. The campaign is funded in part through support from the National Peanut Board.
Through public service advertising and traditional and social media, Americans will be encouraged to visit livingwithfoodallergies.org and then take their questions and concerns to a board-certified allergist or qualified physician.
Visitors to livingwithfoodallergies.org will be able to quickly access science-based information from ACAAI and other trusted sources, and find a board-certified allergist in their area. The site is seamlessly integrated with FAACT’s own website, which provides links to local support groups, resources for developing food allergy and anaphylaxis management plans and other resources valuable to anyone who has a food allergy or thinks they do.
“Too often in my practice I see patients who don’t have the correct information about food allergies,” explained allergist Todd Mahr, MD, ACAAI Fellow. “Many people aren’t taking all the steps we recommend to keep themselves or their loved ones safe. Others are living a life that doesn’t have to be as difficult as it is because they have been misdiagnosed with or think they have food allergies.”
For the full press release, click here.
