Why do so many children now have food allergies? Extract from Telegraph Magazine, 23.09.06 by Fiona Macdonald-smith

"According to research, one i three children now has an allergy"

"Our immune systems are looking for something to do, so they focus on allergens".

"The number of children with anaphylaxis has risen sharply. Last year, 46,953 life-saving adrenaline injections were issued to children under the age of seven compared with only 7,590 10 years ago."

"Indeed all allergies are on the increase, nut allergy alone has trebled in the last 10 years and now affects one in 50 children with its incidence increasing."

"What can parents do to protect their children other than pinning badges on them? If you they're allergic, go to your GP and ask for a referral to a paediatric specialist - the new Evelina Children's Hospital in London is taking referrals from around the country Muriel Simmons (of Allergy UK) says. "Even if your child is not showing signs of allergy, dont restrict diet and let them get dirty. Meeting bacteria is the best thing that can happen to them."