Adverse reactions to food in New Zealand children aged 0-5 years.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe parent/caregiver-reported adverse reactions to food in children aged 0-5 years in New Zealand.

METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in clinics conducted by the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, which is the major healthcare provider for New Zealand's Well Child programme. Parents/caregivers of 110 (65%) children participated.

RESULTS

Of the 44 children who experienced an adverse reaction to food, only four were clinically evaluated and had undergone diagnostic testing. Two other children were hospitalised following systemic symptoms. Neither was tested for food allergy. 18 (16%) children had physician diagnosed eczema.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this small study, the data indicated adverse reactions to foods are a public health concern in New Zealand and may be under investigated even in children with severe symptoms. These children remain at increased risk of continued morbidity. Based on this preliminary study further research on food allergy in New Zealand is warranted.