Food allergy—A holistic approach to dietary management. A joint EAACI Research & Outreach Committee and INDANA review

Abstract Following a diagnosis of IgE‐mediated food allergy, to secure the best outcome, the patient should receive individualized advice tailored to their specific needs, which considers the type and presentation of the food involved, level of exclusion required, risk of cross‐contamination and any variance required for age, ethnicity, financial issues, and lifestyle. Issues such as food labels “may contain” statements, and variation in the threshold of reaction and impact of cofactors should also be considered. Most important is the need to ensure that the diagnosis is robust, especially given the nutritional, psychological, and socioeconomic issues that can affect an individual with a diagnosis of food allergy. Unnecessary exclusion of one or more foods that have not triggered allergic reactions, especially in individuals with allergic comorbidities, can result in severe IgE‐mediated reactions on re‐exposure. Given that food allergies may change over time, the diagnosis should be reviewed, to determine whether resolution is likely, or new‐food triggers are reported. Regular assessment is vital, especially during childhood, to ensure reintroduction occurs at an appropriate time, thus enabling increased diversity of the diet and improvement in the quality of life. For some, an IgE‐mediated food allergy may necessitate the life‐long exclusion of foods, and for others, a food habitually eaten suddenly triggers an allergic reaction in adult life. People of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds deserve individual advice on the management of their food allergy to support a healthy diet and improve quality of life.