Nursery World - Any risk is serious

I was appalled to read the article 'Fears about food allergy reactions are unfounded' (Health news, 2 May), about new research into the prevalence of severe or fatal reactions to food. I believe it plays down the risks. I am a playgroup helper and the parent of a four-year-old boy with severe nut allergy. The article undermines all the efforts parents and carers put into protecting their allergic children. How can allergies be taken lightly when the consequences could be fatal?

I am a playgroup helper and the parent of a four-year-old boy with severe nut allergy. The article undermines all the efforts parents and carers put into protecting their allergic children. How can allergies be taken lightly when the consequences could be fatal?

The authors of the medical paper concluded, 'The finding of so few deaths in such a large population should reassure parents and doctors that the risk of death is small.' How could any risk of death not be a concern? The authors did not seem to take into account that findings of a few deaths could be the result of parents and carers devoting more effort into ensuring children do not come into contact with allergens.

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