Peanut Allergy Debate and New Research

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reignited debate this week over the causes of rising peanut allergies in the United States. Speaking at a Food Allergy Fund event, Kennedy rejected the widely accepted theory that delayed exposure to peanuts in infancy contributed to the surge. He argued instead that researchers should examine the role of aluminum in vaccines, noting its introduction coincided with the increase in allergy cases.

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According to the National Institutes of Health, peanut allergies affected just 0.5 percent of children worldwide in 1997. Today, that figure has climbed to roughly 2 percent. Kennedy has previously voiced skepticism about the early‑exposure theory, repeating similar claims at a governors’ meeting earlier this year.

While Kennedy’s remarks drew attention, recent scientific findings point in a different direction. A study published in Pediatrics in October reported that peanut allergies in U.S. children have actually declined since 2015, when doctors began advising parents to introduce peanut products early. Among children ages 0 to 3, allergy rates fell by more than 27 percent after the initial guidance and by over 40 percent following expanded recommendations in 2017.

Though the study was limited in scope, experts say the results reinforce the benefits of early exposure. The contrasting views highlight an ongoing debate over how best to address food allergies, balancing scientific evidence with public concern.