Parent-led food allergy challenge

Please prepare the food in an age-appropriate form (for example, soft peanut butter for infant, or crushed nuts or nut paste for toddlers and preschoolers) at home.

Bring the prepared food and arrive at the clinic at 8:30 am for orientation and an explanation of the food challenge.

Perform introduction slowly over the course of 3-4 hours by giving your child a small quantity of the food.

Recommended food quantities:

• Nuts: 1/8 flat teaspoon
• Egg: 1/8 flat teaspoon (ensure egg is fully cooked; boil for 4 minutes or scramble with no transparent white left)
• Milk: 1/2 teaspoon
• Baked food such as egg muffin or bread: 1/8 of a slice of bread equivalent.

Observe for symptoms of an allergic reaction (see ASCIA Green Allergy Plan or Red Anaphylaxis Plan).

If no reaction has occurred after half an hour give double the amount.

Double the dose every half an hour to get to (depending on the food) 1 teaspoon, 100mls, ½ cup, 1 muffin or 1 slice of bread.

If at any time you feel that your child is having a reaction, please speak to one of the nurses or doctors in the clinic rooms to get assistance.

If there is no reaction in the clinic, and your child is approved for continued challenges at home, give the same amount at home for 3 days.

If your child has no reaction to the food, then it is safe for them to include it in a normal diet.

If your child tolerates a food, it is important to introduce that food regularly into their diet, as this may protect against the future development of allergy to that food.

If they have a reaction, when symptoms settle, email the clinic or phone (02) 9382 1003 to let us know.