National Study Reveals Canadian Attitudes Toward Peanut/Nut Allergies
TORONTO, Feb. 11 /CNW/ - If you find yourself thinking more and more
about rich, creamy milk chocolate as Valentine's Day approaches, think twice.
For someone living with a life-threatening allergy, those sweet treats can be
lethal. More than half-a-million Canadians suffer from life-threatening
peanut/nut allergies and experts say the incidence is growing. A recent
national Ipsos-Reid survey revealed that more than 50 per cent of Canadians
know someone with a peanut or nut allergy. Yet the survey also revealed most
Canadians continue to bring peanut and nut-filled snacks to work and school,
and share them during holidays -- putting allergy sufferers at risk.
"Living with a life-threatening food allergy can be very stressful," said
Dr. Jane Salter, President, Anaphylaxis Canada, an allergy advocacy group. "We
have a social responsibility to help make allergens visible so that allergic
people can follow rules that will enable them to stay safe. This is
particularly true for young children who are still learning the rules."
The results of the survey confirm Salter's concern. While 74 per cent of
Canadians understand that peanut/nut containing products can be life-
threatening, more than half (53 per cent) have not changed their shopping or
eating habits, and this could put young allergy sufferers in danger.
"Allergies to peanuts and nuts are a very big problem because the
consequences are so serious," said Dr. Susan Wasserman, Allergist, Clinical
Immunologist, McMaster University, The Firestone Chest and Allergy Unit at St.
Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton. "Many patients live with extreme anxiety
everyday. Each year there are at least 10 avoidable deaths caused by peanut or
nut allergies."
Nut-free Zones Emerging
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While individual Canadians still have a way to go, safe havens are
emerging. The Ipsos-Reid survey indicated that 62 per cent of schools,
daycares, and camps currently prohibit peanut and nut products on their sites.
"Children love to share", said Salter "And as much as we teach our
allergic children to only share treats that have been approved by mommy and
daddy, sometimes temptation is too strong. Extra precautions are needed
everyday, but particularly around holidays like Valentines and Halloween where
treats and chocolate are such a focus."
The survey also revealed that a growing number of Canadians feel products
containing peanuts or nuts should be excluded from settings, such as
Halloween, that cater to young children.
The increasing need for peanut/nut-free confectionery products is
prompting some manufacturers like Nestl
