Title: Closing the Divide: The Critical Demand for Action in Food Allergy Awareness and Management
Author: Lianne Mandelbaum
Founder, No Nut Traveler | Airline Advocate | Allergy Safety Innovator
The Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Conference held in Michigan assembled a formidable coalition of researchers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and leaders from various industries—all aligned with a common goal: to enhance the lives of those living with food allergies. Having participated in food allergy dedicated conferences across the globe for over a decade, I can confidently state that there is more momentum and genuine optimism in this field now than ever before. The scientific advancements are aligning with the pressing needs, and the urgency has never been more apparent.
However, amid this optimism and progress, reality served as a stark reminder of just how significant the stakes are.
▌A Moment of Sorrow in a Time of Optimism
While immersed in this uplifting conference, I was deeply affected by the tragic news of yet another allergy-related death. Avarie, a young American college student studying abroad in Rome, tragically passed away due to a food-triggered anaphylactic event after consuming a tree nut to which she was severely allergic. Despite her efforts to communicate her allergy while in a foreign country, a language barrier resulted in a fatal misunderstanding. She consumed a sandwich that likely contained cashew, began to feel unwell, and collapsed before she could access her medication—which, sadly, was not epinephrine but corticosteroid pills that are not effective for halting anaphylaxis.
Her demise was avoidable.
▌Failing in Anaphylaxis Education
At the conference, Dr. James Baker effectively highlighted the diverse experiences within the food allergy community. Some individuals have faced anaphylaxis and comprehend its deadly potential; others may lack this understanding and underestimate the severity of the condition. These variations shape personal risk perceptions and impact how individuals approach daily choices.
In Avarie’s situation, we must consider: Had she received thorough education about anaphylaxis and the critical importance of always carrying epinephrine? Who provided her with guidance on emergency protocols? The answers to these inquiries reveal troubling flaws in our healthcare and educational frameworks.
This calamity is not an isolated incident; it reflects deep-rooted deficiencies in allergy management, risk assessment, and public awareness. Food allergies continue to be underdiagnosed, inadequately treated, and underestimated, especially among teenagers and young adults who find themselves in new situations without proper support.
▌The Essential Nature of Life Skills and Practices
During one of my panel discussions at the conference—with prominent researcher Dr. Scott Sicherer, advocate Stacey Saiontz, and Food Allergy Fund founder Ilana Golant—we highlighted the necessity of teaching children how to navigate their allergies as an integral part of their daily lives. I have trained my own son to order food, advocate for his safety, and inquire about ingredients in restaurants—skills he started developing early, under my guidance.
Such support is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet, many young individuals miss out on this vital training.
Dr. Sicherer shared a case of a patient diagnosed with a food allergy at the age of three, whom he didn’t see again until they were preparing for college. By that time, it was too late to cultivate essential skills—deciphering labels, interacting with food service staff, recognizing ingredient cross-contact dangers—abilities that can determine the difference between a safe dining experience and a medical emergency.
▌The Unpreparedness of Teens—and the Need for Change
Too many young people are stepping into independence—whether in college, traveling, or working—without the skills necessary to manage their food allergies effectively. There are well-documented reasons why teenagers and young adults face a higher risk of severe allergic reactions: they may take more risks, attempt to “fit in,” leave their epinephrine behind, or minimize their needs.
However, this is not merely a tale of individual shortcomings. It underscores a systemic deficiency. Food allergy patients are often not directed to specialists. Schools’ policies and preparedness levels vary greatly. Emergency protocols lack consistency. And, most importantly, the general public—including restaurants, educators, and even some healthcare providers—remains largely uneducated about the seriousness of food allergies.
This ignorance seeps down, shaping risk perceptions, influencing policy decisions, and ultimately affecting behaviors. Tragically, it nurtures complacency at a time when vigilance is critical, and fosters silence when advocacy is crucial.
▌What Must Happen Next
The path forward begins with education—layered, comprehensive, and universal. We must establish an educational framework that encompasses:
– Healthcare: All medical practitioners—not just allergists—should receive training to identify and refer cases of potential food allergies. Training on food allergies and anaphylaxis should be compulsory for all medical students and regularly updated for practicing professionals.
– Schools and Universities: These institutions must be mandated to implement food allergy awareness and emergency response strategies, including staff training on epinephrine administration.
– Public Venues: Restaurants, airline staff, event organizers, and hospitality employees must be educated on safe protocols for serving food-allergic patrons, ranging from understanding ingredient labeling to preventing cross-contact.