Abstract

The issue of food allergies in children is of growing concern. Developed nations are

seeing increases in the number of diagnoses as well as the severity of food allergies, especially peanut allergies. This issue is very dynamic and is affected by a wide variety of risk factors including age, sex, and race. An added layer to this complex issue is food manufacturing practices. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act and food manufacturing facility protocols work together to remove accidental cross-contamination and inadvertent exposures of those with allergies to their trigger foods. However, being exposed to small doses may have a protective effect when it comes to the development of food allergies. This supports that modern food manufacturing practices may be contributing to the hygiene hypothesis and being “too clean” has led to the spike in the prevalence of food allergies in children. Further research in this area is needed.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 12-10-2018

Mentor

Worley Johnson

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Environmental Health Science

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Environmental Health Science

Download

Share

COinS