title: Adverse reactions to food in New Zealand children aged 0-5 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to describe parent/caregiver-reported adverse reactions to food in children aged 0-5 years in New Zealand.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in clinics conducted by the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, which is the major healthcare provider for New Zealand's Well Child programme. Parents/caregivers of 110 (65%) children participated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 44 children who experienced an adverse reaction to food, only four were clinically evaluated and had undergone diagnostic testing. Two other children were hospitalised following systemic symptoms. Neither was tested for food allergy. 18 (16%) children had physician diagnosed eczema.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limitations of this small study, the data indicated adverse reactions to foods are a public health concern in New Zealand and may be under investigated even in children with severe symptoms. These children remain at increased risk of continued morbidity. Based on this preliminary study further research on food allergy in New Zealand is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Virology and Immunology, LabPlus, Auckland Hospital, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Crooks
authors.forename: Rohan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ameratunga
authors.forename: Maia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brewerton
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torok
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buetow
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brothers
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: Penny
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jorgensen
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D010290:Parents; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors