Living in fear of your child's food allergy

This eight-year-old carries several EpiPens, two different inhalers and methylprednisolone steroids with her in case she accidentally consumes peanuts, which she is severely allergic to, and goes into anaphylactic shock. — TNS filepic

Between six and eight percent of children suffer a food allergy, with eggs, milk and peanuts being the most common causes.

They can cause vomiting, cramps, hives, swelling, eczema, breathing problems, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock, which can lead to hospitalisation or death.