Children fall into a special category needing more protection from food allergens as a much higher percentage of children suffer from food allergies than adults. Under the age of three the prevalence of food allergies can be as high as 6 to 8%, whereas for adults it is 2%.

For reasons scientists cannot yet explain, food allergies are increasing, especially among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of food or digestive allergies in those younger than 18 increased 18% in the last decade <link to CDC Report (Dec 2008)>. Similar statistics can be found from studies all over Europe. This alarming trend has also lead to new legislation in the EU and strict requirements for the labelling of all products.

Food allergens cause very obvious problems for children. The discomfort of the symptoms cannot be (correctly) described and the cause of the problem cannot be (easily) understood. Try explaining to a 2 year old that he/she is allergic to milk and that is why he/she is not allowed to have a cookie, chocolate or ice cream. The food we consume are very complex, often containing the most unlikely ingredients as part of the recipe.

Celebrations and treats form a rather big part of a child’s life. Other than its own birthday, family birthdays and celebrations, birthday celebrations at schools and créches are weekly events which are problematic if suffering from a food allergy. Not only is it a problem for the child’s own parents/carers but also for family, friends, neighbours, schools and créches who want to cater for everyone. Often the allergy and its cause and the resulting problems are not well understood by everyone involved. Taking extra care, more often than not saying “no” seems the only solution. While other children enjoy a delicious treat like cake, easter eggs or ice cream, children with food allergies may have a rice cracker or a handful of raisins, although healthy, hardly fair and very frustrating for the child.