Severe Allergic Reactions to Food in Norway: A Ten Year Survey of Cases Reported to the Food Allergy Register

2011

Severe Allergic Reactions to Food in Norway: A Ten Year Survey

Sample size: 877 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Namork Ellen, Fæste Christiane K., Stensby Berit A., Egaas Eliann, Løvik Martinus

Primary Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Hypothesis

What are the characteristics and trends of severe allergic reactions to food in Norway over a ten-year period?

Conclusion

The Food Allergy Register has improved our understanding of severe allergic reactions to food in Norway and has identified new allergens, leading to better food safety measures.

Supporting Evidence

The Food Allergy Register received a total of 877 reports from 2000 to 2010.
Two age groups, small children and young adults, are over-represented in the reports.
The highest frequency of food-specific IgE is to hazelnuts and peanuts.
New allergens like lupine and fenugreek have been identified in processed foods.
An increase in reactions to hazelnuts was noted over the last three years.
70% of reactions occurred within 30 minutes of food intake.
46.3% of cases were treated with adrenaline, indicating the severity of reactions.
The register has improved knowledge about food allergies and safety in Norway.

Takeaway

This study looked at reports of people having serious allergic reactions to food in Norway over ten years, helping to find out what foods are causing problems and how to keep people safe.

Methodology

The study analyzed reports from first-line doctors about severe allergic reactions, including patient demographics and specific IgE testing for allergens.