According to a new study at the Australian Capital Territory, food allergies in Australian children have risen 12-fold since 1995, the most common reactions involved peanuts, eggs, cow's milk and cashews.

Raymond Mullins, specialist immunologist and allergy specialist, and report author said the cause of the increase needed further investigation:

"There is an urgent need for coordinated, systematic studies of the epidemiology of food allergy in Australia and abroad, to ascertain risk factors and guide public health policy.

There are important implications for public health, medical workforce planning, costs of care and the availability of public allergy services."

The findings do suggests that there is an urgent need for further research into this trend while the question is raised as to how the food industry with health services can deal with the growing problem.

Read the full report.

[Photo Credit: GMT]