Disparities in Food Allergy

Food allergy (FA) can be a life-threatening condition impacting many aspects of patients’ lives. The current prevalence of food allergy is estimated to be 8% in the United States (Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, Blumenstock JA, Jiang J, Davis MM, Pediatrics 142, 2018). Data on racial and socioeconomic disparities in food allergy are emerging. Food allergy has been found to be more common among Blacks and Hispanics as opposed to Whites. Disparities have also been identified in cost of the disease to families, access to subspecialty care, hospitalization, and anaphylaxis rates. Understanding the etiology of these disparities helps identify ways to minimize the inequalities and hopefully eliminate them. To accomplish these goals, we need more culturally, racially, and ethnically responsive tools for intervention and prevention of FA.