Current concepts in food allergy

Food allergy is an adverse reaction to a specific food. It is caused by an immunologic mechanism and is not common. Skin testing demonstrates the presence of reaginic antibodies against the offending food in most patients who have immediate reactions. Skin tests do not establish a definitive diagnosis of food allergy. Avoidance is the only effective therapy. Excluding cow's milk and egg yolk from the diet of infants has not been proved to prevent allergic disease.