Analysis of data revealed that 4 per cent of under-fives had a “probable” food allergy in 2018, up from 1.2 per cent in 2008

by Eleanor Hayward
August 28 2024

Food allergies have doubled over the past decade in a trend that is puzzling scientists and disproportionately affecting young children, a study has found.

Researchers at Imperial College London found that lives were being cut short by an unexplained rise in allergies to foods such as eggs, peanuts and fish.

Analysis of data from GP surgeries in England revealed 4 per cent of under-fives had a “probable” food allergy in 2018, up from 1.2 per cent in 2008.

Across all age groups, the prevalence of food allergies has increased from 0.4 per cent of the population to 1.1 per cent over the same decade.