New Study Shows Peanut Allergies Declining — Major Win for Peanut Farmers and Consumers
There’s more good news for peanut farmers and consumers alike. A new study published on October 20th reveals a significant decline in peanut allergies—a promising trend that could reshape how peanuts are perceived in homes, schools, and restaurants across the nation.
“Peanut allergies are on the decline. A new study published on October 20th shows that we may be on the way to eliminating the peanut allergies altogether, or any possibility of death from peanuts.”
The study focused on youth populations and examined the impact of early dietary exposure. “The research shows youth peanut allergy rates dropped in the years between 2017 and suggested introducing peanuts into infants’ diets as a means of preventing the allergy.”
The results were remarkable. “Overall, researchers found 43% decrease in peanut allergies, with peanut allergy rates falling from now down to 0.79 from 2012, all the way down to 0.45% of the population.”
This data reinforces years of research supporting early peanut introduction as an effective prevention method. It also validates the sustained work of the National Peanut Board (NPB), which has made allergy awareness and research a cornerstone of its mission.
“Since 2001, the National Peanut Board said today they have invested over $38 million in food allergy outreach and research. The National Peanut Board is funded by the American peanut farmers. They contribute to a checkoff program, but this is a landmark discovery in peanut allergy prevention.”
Beyond the numbers, this study represents a major breakthrough in public health and industry perception. “This is the first FDA approval of peanut allergy treatments and best practices for allergy management in schools, food service, and manufacturing.”
For U.S. peanut growers, these findings are a victory decades in the making—proof that continued investment in science, education, and communication is helping overcome long-standing consumer fears.
As one industry insider put it, “So, good news for peanut farmers. Hopefully the peanut allergy is a thing of the past.”
With consumption rising and allergies falling, the future looks brighter than ever for America’s peanut industry.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.