June 16, 2010
Should We Ban Peanuts on Airplanes?
Peanut allergy appears to be on the rise. In fact, one study showed that from 1997 to 2002, the incidence of peanut allergy doubled in children. This information is very important, considering that federal regulators are now deciding whether to ban peanuts from being served on commercial airline flights.
Twelve years ago, Congress shot down a proposed peanut food ban on U.S. flights. But last week, the U.S. Transportation Department announced that they are taking a second look at arguments presented by food allergy sufferers, advocates and the food industry.
Published studies to date have shown that severe, or anaphylactic, reactions caused by peanuts on flights generally occur from eating peanut-containing meals or snacks. Allergic reactions due to skin contact or inhalation of peanut particles depend on the sensitivity of each individual. As long as a passenger with a peanut allergy does not eat peanut-containing foods or come into very close contact with them, the risk of reaction from skin contact or inhalation should be minimized.
However, even when proper precautions are taken, a reaction is always a possibility. Knowing that an estimated 1.8 million people have peanut allergies and that allergic symptoms can be quite severe and even life threatening, especially in the confined space of an airplane, why take the risk?
