Food Allergies

Food allergy is the most common known trigger for anaphylaxis among children and adolescents in Australia. It is also the most common cause of anaphylaxis fatalities among younger adolescents.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction that can cause death. Although death is rare, it does happen. Max McKenzie was 15 when he died after mistakenly eating food containing walnuts in August 2021. He had carefully managed his nut allergy all his life and he knew what to do when he recognised the signs of an allergic reaction

Common food allergies

More young people are being affected

Every second and every minute counts when it comes to anaphylaxis. According to the The State Of Victoria’s Children Report 2018, a higher rate of adolescents are being hospitalised for severe allergic reactions.

Presentations and hospital admissions for anaphylactic reactions are increasing among Victorians, particularly children and adolescents.

  • In 2017-18 there were approximately 57 admissions per 100,000 10-to-17-year-olds, representing a rate 3.5 times higher than 2008-09 levels.

  • Older adolescents are much more likely to present with this condition than younger adolescents, with rates more than 50 per cent higher among 15-to-17-year-olds (72 per 100,000) compared to 10-to-14-year-olds (47 per 100,000).

What can do you do to help?