New review highlights ethnic inequalities in children’s food allergy care
- 21 May 2026
- News
- Research
A new international review has highlighted important inequalities in the prevalence, management, and outcomes of IgE-mediated food allergies among children from different ethnic backgrounds.
The scoping review, published in the World Allergy Organization Journal, analysed 37 studies from high-income countries including the UK. Researchers explored how ethnicity and race may influence children’s experiences of food allergy and access to care.
The review found evidence suggesting that Black and Asian children may experience higher rates of some food allergies compared with White children. Black children were also found to have higher rates of food-induced anaphylaxis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in several studies.
Researchers also identified inequalities in access to allergy care and treatment. Some studies showed that White children were more likely to:
- receive adrenaline auto-injectors,
- access allergen-free foods,
- and participate in oral immunotherapy programmes.
Importantly, the review highlighted major gaps in existing research. Although many studies collected ethnicity data, fewer than half analysed differences between ethnic groups. The authors concluded that inconsistent reporting limits understanding of how inequalities affect children living with food allergy.
The researchers are calling for more inclusive and representative allergy research to help ensure all children have equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support regardless of ethnicity or race.
Read the full review (ScienceDirect)
