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Starship Paediatric Immunology and Allergy
Public Service, Allergy and Immunology, Paediatrics
Food Challenge
Deciding whether a child is truly allergic to a food, or deciding whether a food allergy has resolved with time, can be difficult. At times having the child eat the food may be necessary to decide this. If there is a chance of a significant food allergic reaction then a supervised food challenge may be recommended.
Waiting times for food challenge vary. The Starship service generally runs a "summer catch up" food challenge programme, doing many food challenges over summer months when the hospital is generally quieter. If your child is waiting for a food challenge make sure we have your correct phone numbers / mobile - there are often last minute cancellations for children booked for food challenge, so you may be able to be offered a cancellation slot at short notice.
Document Downloads
- Food Challenge Information - advice for families (PDF, 151.8 KB)
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This page was last updated at 2:22PM on September 23, 2019.