The FDA has responded to a petition for a new qualified health claim that relates to peanut allergy.
The claim states “for most infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy who are already eating solid foods, introducing foods containing ground peanuts between four and 10 months of age and continuing consumption may reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy by five years of age”.
This is the first time the FDA has recognized a qualified health claim to prevent a food allergy.
The new claim on food labels will recommend that parents check with their infant’s healthcare provider before introducing foods containing ground peanuts.
It will also note that the claim is based on one study.
The FDA will continue to monitor the research related to peanut allergy.
