By Markita Lewis, MS, RD
This fall, food allergy professionals and advocacy groups gathered at several meetings and conferences to advance best practices in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of food allergies.
AllergyStrong and FOODiversity co-hosted a Feeding Community Health event at Emory University on Nov. 14, 2025. The initiative brings together health care providers, food allergy advocates, and patient families to strengthen local support for individuals with food allergies and related conditions. Markita Lewis, marketing and communications manager, attended on behalf of the National Peanut Board to further develop networking and practical strategies that support progress in peanut allergy prevention.
About 50 community members participated in discussions on the current food allergy landscape, barriers to allergen management, and real-life experiences related to schools, travel, dining, and the workforce.
Also in November, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology held its annual scientific meeting Nov. 6–10 in Orlando, Florida. The conference highlighted advances in treatment therapies and management strategies supporting patient care.
Several studies focused on progress in peanut allergy treatment. Research on the Viaskin Peanut Patch showed continued safety and effectiveness in helping peanut-allergic toddlers ages 1 to 3 build tolerance. After three years of treatment, about 70% of children could tolerate the protein equivalent of three to four peanut kernels, with milder reactions during oral food challenges compared with earlier stages of the study.
Oral immunotherapy, or OIT, was also highlighted as an effective treatment option. One study involving 74 children ages 0 to 12 helped improve quality of life in 88% of patients after completing OIT for allergens including peanut, tree nuts, sesame, egg, and milk. In addition, 64% of children were able to freely consume the treated allergen.
A novel case series from the Kado Clinic Center for Immunodermatology and Translational Allergy reported successful peanut tolerance in two high-risk, peanut-allergic infants using a raw peanut oral immunotherapy protocol before roasted peanut exposure. While promising, researchers emphasized the need for larger studies before clinical practices change.
Together, these updates underscore the importance of community support and emerging treatment options beyond strict avoidance. As research and advocacy efforts continue, progress in food allergy care is expected to grow.