Sorbo's ad, the first in a series of black and white print ads being made available to parenting and mainstream publications, points out the potential dangers of food allergies, and ways in which mothers-to-be and new mothers can try to minimize their child's risk of developing these allergies. The past several years have seen a significant rise in food allergies, many of them life-threatening, and although any child can develop a food allergy, the risk is higher in allergic families, particularly those who have parents and siblings with food allergies.
"Every year thousands of babies develop life-threatening food allergies," stated Anne Munoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of FAAN. "However, it's believed that prevention strategies recommended by the AAP may stem the rising tide of this allergic disorder. If we can educate new and expectant mothers sooner rather than later about the dangers of introducing certain foods to their babies too soon, we might be able to make a big difference in the lives of these children and their families."
Food allergy affects an estimated 6 to 7 million Americans, mostly children. Annually, allergic reactions account for 30,000 emergency room visits and between 150 to 200 deaths.
Among the prevention strategies suggested by AAP is exclusive breast- feeding for at least six months, with avoidance by the nursing mother of allergens such as peanuts and tree nuts (e.g., cashews, pecans, or walnuts). "Since infancy is an especially vulnerable time for food allergies to develop, allergy prevention efforts must be started immediately after birth to be effective," according to Dr. Robert Zeiger, Director of Allergy Research, Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego.
In addition to Kevin Sorbo, FAAN has enlisted other celebrities from the entertainment community to pose for future prevention print ads. The prevention ad, as well as a brochure with prevention strategies, is available for download at
