Anaphylaxis to hyperallergenic functional foods

Here we describe our investigations into the allergenicity of a new drink when two cow's milk allergic children suffered anaphylaxis after consuming Wh2ole？.Our studies have shown that in comparison with cow's milk, Wh2ole？ contains at least three times the concentration of β-lactoglobulin. β-lactoglobulin is one of the dominant allergens in bovine milk.These studies have shown that modern technology allows the creation of "hyperallergenic" foods. These products have the potential to cause severe reactions in milk allergic persons. Avoiding inadvertent exposure is the shared responsibility of allergic consumers, regulatory authorities and the food industry.Food allergy affects approximately 6% of children and 3-4% of adults [1]. Clinical manifestations can vary from mild abdominal discomfort to death from anaphylaxis. Currently there is no widely available specific treatment for food allergy [2]. Patients with severe food allergy are advised to avoid consuming foods to which they are allergic, in order to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis.Avoidance of foods has however become increasingly difficult for allergic consumers. Contamination of foods with allergenic proteins can occur from harvest/production to the dinner table [3]. A further challenge for food allergic persons has been the rapid advances in food technology [4]. Proteins from a specific food can now be isolated with ease and added to another product to enhance its properties.Wh2ole？ is a new drink manufactured by Fonterra of New Zealand (figure 1). Wh2ole？ contains high concentrations (1 g/100 ml) of bovine whey proteins, which have been added to flavoured water. The solution is a clear transparent liquid in spite of the high concentration of milk proteins. The drink is marketed as a "bridge for the hunger gap" between meals. It is placed on drinks stands in supermarkets and cafes.Here we report the results of our investigations after two children with cow's milk allergy suffered anaphylaxis following the in