For someone with food allergies, a taste of peanut butter or a bite of shellfish could be life-threatening.
In recent years, the problem has become more visible among children and young adults in the U.S.
The CDC has called it a “growing public health concern.”
We explore the science behind what causes allergic reactions and hear how the medical community is responding.
Plus, we hear from a West Hartford mother about challenges her child has experienced in school because of his food intolerances.
And we find out how college cafeterias accommodate students with special diets.
Do you or a family member have allergies or intolerances to certain foods?
GUESTS:
- Dr. Harini Hosain - Allergist and Immunologist with St. Francis Hospital
- Dr. Scott Sicherer - Division Chief of Pediatric Allergy and Director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine; author of Food Allergies: A Complete Guide to Eating When Your Life Depends on It
- Colleen Brunetti – Parent of child with food intolerances; author and health coach
- Laura Patey - Associate Dean for Student Academic Resources at Wesleyan University
- Sara Bly - WNPR production intern
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Chion Wolf contributed to this show, which originally aired on December 5, 2017.