Harper’s Magazine Article Response
Dear FAAN Members,
I am personally troubled by recent magazine and radio reports indicating that the danger presented by food allergies is exaggerated and that we are making much ado about nothing.
Contrary to what these media reports indicate, FAAN’s advice and education programs are based upon peer-reviewed medical studies showing that food allergy is increasing, that children and adults die from reactions to food, and that vigilance to avoid eating an allergy-causing food is the only way to prevent a reaction. These medical studies are the source of the facts and statistics listed in the Media section. Additionally, we know that in spite of everyone’s best efforts, reactions will occur.
I know it sounds unimaginable that a perfectly safe food can cause a catastrophic reaction within minutes. But you know better than anyone else that this is a reality for someone with a food allergy.
My concern is that those who don’t believe that food allergies should be taken seriously will believe these reports and feel justified in not taking action to protect a child with food allergies from having a reaction.
We need you, as parents, concerned relatives, school staff, and caregivers, to double your efforts to educate your community so that no one relaxes their efforts to keep our children safe. Let FAAN know if these erroneous media reports contribute to any incidents or attempts by schools or organizations to relax effective controls.
The FAAN staff and I will continue to work with our Medical Advisory Board and our Board of Directors to educate the media on your behalf.
The only way we can keep our children safe is to use the science to educate others. Let the science speak for us; it will be here long after the sensationalist news reports. If you read the article in Harper’s Magazine, feel free to send a letter to the editor at letters@harpers.org or Letters, Harper’s Magazine, 666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.
Sincerely,
Anne Muñoz-Furlong
Founder and CEO
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