Fast Facts

Food Allergies & Celiac Disease

1 in 13 children have a food allergy, about 2 per classroom. 1 in 10 adults have a food allergy.
According to the CDC, food allergy prevalence among children increased 50% between 1997 and 2011
Every 3 minutes a food allergy reaction sends someone to the ER
Anaphylaxis is the most severe reaction and can be fatal. Epinephrine is the first line of defense for anaphylaxis
More than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions
Nine major food allergens - milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean shellfish, and sesame - are responsible for most of the serious food allergy reactions in the United States.
There is no cure for food allergies
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to remove food protein after eating. Commercial wipes will also work. Hand sanitizer WILL NOT remove food protein.

1 in 133 people in the US have Celiac Disease; approximately 3 million people
Celiac is a serious genetic autoimmune disease
83% of people with Celiac disease are undiagnosed
Left undiagnosed and untreated, people with Celiac Disease are at risk for other serious health consequences
Currently, the only treatment for Celiac Disease is a strict gluten-free diet
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to remove food protein after eating. Commercial wipes will also work. Hand sanitizer WILL NOT remove food protein.