Food Allergy Awareness Week: May 8-14

Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies. This potentially deadly disease affects one in every 13 children in the U.S. That’s roughly two in every classroom. According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent between 1997 and 2011.

The national organization, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), established Food Allergy Awareness Week in 1998 to educate the public and raise awareness of food allergies. Promising research continues to be done, and Atlanta Allergy & Asthma has participated in a number of important studies. But until there is a cure, we are dedicated to raising awareness and providing our patients with access to the most current and cutting-edge information available.

Show Us Your Epi!


At this time there is no cure for food allergies, and strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to prevent a reaction. Teenagers and young adults with food allergies are at the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis.

Additionally, individuals with food allergies who also have asthma may be at increased risk for severe food allergy reactions. You must always be prepared for an accidental ingestion by carrying self-injectable epinephrine. Do not leave home without an epinephrine auto-injector!

During Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 8 through 14) and for the remainder of May, Atlanta Allergy & Asthma will be asking our patients at risk for anaphylaxis to “Show us your Epi!”

If you have your epinephrine auto-injector with you and you show it to us, you will be entered into a drawing for a prize. Each of our 18 clinics will have a winner.