New Guidelines Lead to Decline in Peanut Allergies (Premium)

For many parents, a child’s peanut allergy is a constant source of vigilance and concern. Everyday situations can feel risky. School lunches, going to a restaurant, kids’ parties, visiting a friend’s home, swapping of snacks—all of these carry an element of danger. Label reading becomes second nature but so much is beyond one’s control.

Caregivers are torn between wanting to foster a sense of inclusion and needing to put safety first. Many keep epinephrine injectors — EpiPens — close by and mentally rehearse what to do in case of a reaction. Part of their mind is always planning: Did we pack the EpiPen? Who knows how to use it? How far are we from an urgent care center or a hospital?

For decades, the incidence of peanut allergy has been rising. Now that it’s clearly declining, it’s important to understand why.