Food is meant to nourish, but for a growing number of children in Singapore, it can become a medical emergency.
From 2015 to 2022, both the National University Hospital (NUH) and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) have reported a steady rise in emergency department visits for childhood anaphylaxis. The main cause? Food allergies.
Now, Singapore is launching its first and largest clinical study on the issue: The Singapore Food Allergy Story. Led by NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, the four-year study will investigate how widespread food allergies are among children, and how they’re affecting families.
Common Triggers, Serious Reactions
Among the most common food allergy triggers seen in local clinics are eggs, milk, peanuts, and shellfish. While eggs, milk and peanuts are common allergens for toddlers and younger children, shellfish tends to affect teens and young adults.
When a child with a food allergy is exposed to a trigger, it can lead to anaphylaxis. It is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction that can occur within minutes. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness.
No Cure, Just Caution
At present, there is no cure for food allergies. The only way to prevent a reaction is strict avoidance of the allergen. For parents, this means reading every food label, informing schools and caregivers, carrying emergency medication like epinephrine, and always being on alert.
This constant vigilance can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Studies have shown that food allergies don’t just affect a child’s physical health. They can also impact their nutrition, growth, school performance, and mental wellbeing.
Why Are Cases Increasing?
While there is no definitive answer, experts believe several factors may be contributing to the rise in food allergies:
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The adoption of more westernised diets in Singapore
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Lower exposure to germs in modern environments, which may affect immune development
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More severe allergic reactions in some children
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Increased awareness, leading to more diagnoses
According to Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham, lead principal investigator of the study and senior consultant in paediatrics at NUH, the available data on food allergy prevalence in Asia is outdated. That’s why localised studies like this one are crucial.
What Parents Can Do
For families managing food allergies, daily routines need to be adapted with care and vigilance. Here are some key steps:
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Always read ingredient labels, even on familiar products
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Notify schools, childcare providers, and domestic helpers
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Keep emergency medication on hand and ensure everyone knows how to use it
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Avoid all forms of the allergen, including cross-contamination and airborne exposure
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Create and rehearse an emergency action plan
Moving Toward Better Support
The Singapore Food Allergy Story aims to provide the data needed to improve allergy guidelines, nutrition strategies, and mental health support for children and families. The hope is to create a safer environment where children with food allergies can thrive, not just survive.
Food allergies may seem invisible, but the impact is real. As awareness grows, so must our readiness to act.
