Peanut Allergies on the Decline

October 20, 2025 – Peanut allergies, once among the most feared food sensitivities in children, appear to be on the decline, according to new research and medical observations across the United States.

A growing body of evidence suggests that early exposure to peanuts, rather than strict avoidance, has significantly reduced allergy rates among young children. Pediatricians credit updated guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, introduced in 2017, which encouraged parents to safely introduce peanut-containing foods to infants as early as four to six months of age.

Dr. Michelle Hartman, an allergist in Dallas, said she’s seen a noticeable decrease in new peanut allergy diagnoses over the past several years. “We’re seeing fewer children testing positive,” Hartman said. “Parents are more informed about early introduction, and that’s having a real impact.”

The trend represents a shift from decades of caution, when parents were often told to delay exposing children to potential allergens. That older advice, researchers now believe, may have contributed to rising allergy rates during the 1990s and early 2000s.

While the decline is encouraging, experts warn that peanut allergies remain a serious condition affecting millions of Americans. For those already diagnosed, reactions can still be life-threatening, requiring careful management and access to emergency medication such as epinephrine auto-injectors.

Schools and food manufacturers have also adapted to support those with allergies through clearer labeling and allergen-free food options.

“Progress doesn’t mean the problem is solved,” said Dr. Hartman. “But we’re finally seeing prevention strategies that work.”

Researchers continue to study long-term outcomes, but early introduction programs appear to offer a promising path toward reducing peanut allergies in future generations.