By Landee Kieschnick
TFB Communications Intern
Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies. Statistics show that about three million people in the U.S. report allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.
Peanut growers and industry representatives are excited about new research that indicates perhaps the best way to combat peanut allergies is to introduce peanut products to infants.
“We were thrilled when on Jan. 15 it became official that the scientific data that had been released stated that early introduction to peanuts is really the best way to combat peanut allergies,” Shelly Nutt, executive director of the Texas Peanut Producers Board, said in an interview with Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network.
The scientific data showed that early introduction of peanuts to babies between the ages of four and six months is the best option to fight allergies, Nutt said.
“Experts are saying let’s get this product to them at least three times a week to make sure that these infants continue to build up this tolerance to the peanut allergy,” Nutt said. “We feel like this is going to not only save lives, but maybe remove that fearful mindset that’s been attached to peanuts for so long.”
The next step for the peanut industry and growers, Nutt said, is to educate the medical community and parents with young children about the data presented in the new research.
Another research study surrounding the industry is the removal of enzymes from peanuts that are creating allergic reactions. It’s a concept that Nutt said is very concerning to the industry.
“The peanut industry as a whole is really concerned about this study because we understand how hard it is to grow a crop, keep it segregated for different characteristics and just the overall risk factors. We would never want to say that we have an allergy-free peanut and create a confidence in people with an allergy and then something happens,” she said.
The full interview with Nutt can be heard online on the TFB Radio Network.