The early introduction of food allergens to the diet of infants for the prevention of food allergies and the usefulness of immunotherapy for food allergies have been reported, and research on food allergy has attracted considerable attention.

Although investigation into the true prevalence of food allergies is difficult, epidemiological data from large population cohorts and cross-sectional studies have been reported. Specific IgE testing for novel allergen components has been useful for the diagnosis of food allergies. Moreover, the stepwise oral food challenge (OFC) and the baked milk OFC have been considered for the safe introduction of causative foods. Systematic reviews have confirmed that oral immunotherapy has a higher risk of anaphylaxis than food elimination. Novel studies improving safety and immunotherapy with different routes of administration have proceeded. With regard to the prevention of food allergies, reports regarding the timing of milk introduction and microbiome have also increased.

This article provides the latest topics that are useful for daily medical care in five categories: epidemiology, diagnosis, oral food challenge, treatment, and prevention of food allergy.