Food allergy is a major public health issue with growing prevalence in
the urbanized world and significant impact on the lives of allergic
patients and their families. Research into the risk factors that have
contributed to this increase and their underlying immune mechanisms
could lead us to definitive ways for treatment and prevention of food
allergy. For the time being, introduction of peanut and other allergenic
foods in the diet at the time of weaning seems to be an effective way to
prevent the development of food allergy. Improved diagnosis and
appropriate management and support of food allergic patients are central
to patient care with food immunotherapy and biologicals making the
transition to clinical practice. With the new available treatments it is
becoming increasingly important to include patient's and family
preferences to provide a management plan tailored to their needs.