The ethics of food allergy

Ethical dilemmas are a common occurrence in the provision of care to individuals with food allergies. Thus, an understanding of medical ethics is essential for allergists/immunologists.

Despite the importance of medical ethics in the clinical practice of food allergy, there has been little published on this topic. Some international allergy societies have published ethical guidelines. Further investigation on medical ethics in food allergy is required.

This review describes key ethical principles in relation to food allergy testing, oral food challenges, and various management strategies, including avoidance, omalizumab and oral immunotherapy. This review demonstrates the necessity for education and research on medical ethics in food allergy.