Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, leading expert on food allergies, explains a recent study about a significant drop in peanut allergy diagnoses. The study covered by the media and got viral attention. But the reporting on the study is not entirely correct. The study notes that the drop in peanut allergy rates coincided with changes to feeding guidelines that now recommend early introduction of allergenic foods. However, there is not enough evidence the newer guidelines are the sole cause of the reduced peanut allergy rates. Dr. Greenhawt explains the evolution of feeding guidelines (including the 2015 LEAP study) which shifted recommendations to introduce allergenic foods between 4-6 months of age. Early introduction helps reduce risk, but the risk is not zero. Some kids will still develop allergies. Food allergies are complicated and there are many factors that contribute to whether someone has a food allergy.