Introduction
Food allergy (FA) is a significant health burden globally (Figure 1). Studies estimating FA prevalence have varied, depending on diagnostic method, number and type of allergens, and geographical location; however, there is general consensus that FA is increasing. The population-based Melbourne HealthNuts and SchoolNuts studies estimated FA using oral food challenges (OFC), the gold standard for diagnosing FA. The study found a FA prevalence rate of 10% in infants and 4% to 5% in older children and young adolescents.1 In the US, using cross-sectional population-based surveys, FA prevalence has been estimated at approximately 8% in children and 11% in adults;2,3 In Europe, using data from the EuroPrevall-iFAAM birth cohort, prevalence in children was found to be much lower at 1.4-3.8%.4 FA additionally presents with significant impacts to quality of life 5,6 and a high economic burden.7 While the first approved treatment for peanut allergy (PA) is now available,8the current standard of care for other food allergens remains strict avoidance. Advancements in the field of allergen immunotherapy and the development of biologics and other novel therapies have continued to push towards safe and effective options for FA treatment.9,10 Additionally, recent efforts have shifted focus to investigate innovations in the realm of diagnostics, endotyping, and primary prevention. In this review, we provide an overview of major recent developments in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of FA.