Are Peanut Allergies on the Rise? What Can the Peanut Industry Do?
Living without fats isn’t an option.
In recent decades, food allergies have become much more common worldwide, especially in developed nations. As many as 10% of one-year-old children in the US suffer from some form of food allergy. It is estimated that food allergies in the United States cost the economy $25 billion a year.
The most severe type of food hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis, is caused by mast cell and basophil degranulation mediated by IgE, which can result in hypotension, shock and bronchospasm. Over the past ten years, hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis in children have doubled and there has also been a noticeable rise in emergency room visits for food allergies.
Despite the extremely low rate of fatalities from food-induced anaphylaxis, over 90% of these deaths are attributed to peanuts and tree nuts. 18% to 40% of all food-induced anaphylaxis responses can be attributed to tree nuts alone.
Allergies to tree nuts and peanuts are becoming more common, particularly in children. According to a survey done in 5,300 households, the frequency of these allergies increased from 1.2% in 2002 to 2.1% in 2008 and they continue to do so even today. However, the most frequent tree nuts that cause allergic reactions are almonds, hazelnuts, cashews and walnuts.
The intensity and sensitivity of these allergies are highlighted by the fact that, in comparison to other common food allergens, very little peanut or tree nut is needed to cause an allergic reaction.
Why Do Peanuts Contain Allergens?
Peanuts contain allergens due to the presence of specific proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Here is a closer look at the reasons behind peanut allergens:
Protein Composition:
Peanuts contain several proteins that are identified as allergens. The most notable allergenic proteins in peanuts are Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 6 and Ara h 9. These proteins can elicit a strong immune response in allergic individuals, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Immune System Response:
In individuals with peanut allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies these peanut proteins as harmful. This leads to the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to peanut proteins. Upon subsequent exposure to peanuts, these IgE antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells and basophils, which causes allergic symptoms.
Stability of Allergens:
The allergenic proteins in peanuts are highly stable and resistant to heat and digestion. This stability means that cooking or processing peanuts does not significantly reduce their allergenic potential, which makes it difficult to avoid allergic reactions through food preparation methods.
Cross-reactivity:
Some peanut allergens share structural similarities with proteins found in other legumes and nuts. This cross-reactivity can cause individuals who are allergic to peanuts to also react to other foods with similar proteins, complicates the management of their allergies.
Understanding these factors helps explain why peanuts are a common and potent allergen and necessitate careful management and awareness for those affected by peanut allergies.
What Can the Peanut Industry Do?
Peanut allergies have become a growing concern over the past few decades, with increasing numbers of children and adults being diagnosed with this potentially life-threatening condition. This trend has prompted extensive research and heightened awareness, which has led to significant advancements in managing and mitigating the risks associated with peanut allergies.
Developing Allergen-Free Peanut Varieties
Genetic Modification and Breeding Programs:
Scientists and researchers are working on developing peanut varieties with reduced allergenicity. Through advanced genetic modification techniques and selective breeding programs, they aim to produce peanuts that contain lower levels of the specific proteins that trigger allergic reactions.
Research and Collaboration:
Collaborative efforts between agricultural scientists, geneticists and the peanut industry are essential. By pooling resources and knowledge, these groups can accelerate the development of hypoallergenic peanut strains that could potentially minimize allergic reactions.
Strict Allergen Management Protocols in Manufacturing
Cross-Contamination Prevention:
Manufacturers implement rigorous protocols to prevent cross-contamination in their facilities. This includes dedicated production lines for peanut-containing products and thorough cleaning procedures to ensure that equipment is free from peanut residues.
Quality Control Measures:
Regular testing and quality control measures are conducted to detect any traces of peanuts in non-peanut products. This ensures that products are accurately labeled and safe for consumers with peanut allergies.
Clear and Accurate Labelling
Regulatory Compliance:
The peanut industry adheres to strict labeling regulations mandated by food safety authorities. Labels on peanut-containing products clearly indicate the presence of peanuts, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Voluntary Initiatives:
In addition to regulatory requirements, some companies voluntarily provide additional information on their labels, such as potential cross-contact warnings. This transparency helps consumers with severe allergies avoid accidental exposure.
Supporting Allergen Research and Education
Funding and Grants:
The peanut industry funds research initiatives aimed at understanding peanut allergies better and developing effective treatments. Grants and financial support are provided to institutions conducting cutting-edge research in this field.
Educational Programs:
Industry associations collaborate with healthcare professionals and allergy organizations to educate the public about peanut allergies. These programs raise awareness about the symptoms, risks, and management of peanut allergies, which helps to protect individuals at risk.
Innovative Processing Techniques
Protein Modification:
Research is being conducted on processing techniques that can modify peanut proteins to reduce their allergenicity. These methods include enzymatic treatments and heat processing that alter the structure of allergenic proteins, potentially making them less likely to trigger immune responses.
Controlled Environments:
Advanced processing facilities employ controlled environments to ensure that peanut products are produced under conditions that minimize the risk of allergen contamination. This includes maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels to prevent allergen persistence.
Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals
Advisory Panels:
The peanut industry engages with advisory panels consisting of allergists, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals. These experts provide guidance on best practices for allergen management and contribute to the development of industry standards.
Consumer Guidance:
Collaborations with healthcare professionals help disseminate accurate information to consumers. This includes providing guidance on how to read labels, recognize allergy symptoms and seek appropriate medical care in case of an allergic reaction.
Promoting Allergy Research and Treatment Development
Clinical Trials and Studies:
The peanut industry supports clinical trials and studies focused on peanut allergy treatments, such as oral immunotherapy and other desensitization methods. These trials aim to find effective ways to reduce the severity of peanut allergies.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Through public awareness campaigns, the industry educates consumers about ongoing research and treatment options. This empowers individuals with peanut allergies to explore potential therapies and participate in clinical trials.
Implementing Allergen-Free Zones
Dedicated Facilities:
Some manufacturers create allergen-free zones within their production facilities. These areas are strictly monitored to prevent any peanut contamination, which ensures that certain products are completely free from peanut allergens.
Specialized Products:
The industry also develops and markets specialized products that are guaranteed to be peanut-free. These products cater to consumers with severe allergies and offers safe alternatives for those who need to avoid peanuts entirely.
Improving Traceability Systems
Supply Chain Transparency:
Enhanced traceability systems are implemented to track peanuts from farm to final product. This transparency ensures that all stages of production are monitored for potential allergen contamination.
Blockchain Technology:
Some companies are exploring the use of blockchain technology to create immutable records of the supply chain. This technology enhances trust and accountability by providing a verifiable history of peanut handling and processing.
Encouraging Voluntary Allergen-Free Certification
Third-Party Certification:
Voluntary allergen-free certification programs conducted by third-party organizations provide an extra layer of assurance to consumers. Products that receive such certifications have undergone rigorous testing and meet stringent allergen-free standards.
Consumer Trust:
Certification logos on packaging signal to consumers that the product has been independently verified as safe for those with peanut allergies. This builds trust and confidence in the brand.
By implementing these comprehensive measures, the peanut industry demonstrates its commitment to addressing peanut allergies and enhancing the safety of its products for all consumers.
