Nut bans fall short as experts urge better cleaning measures

Allergy specialists have highlighted that simply asking airplane passengers to refrain from eating nuts is unlikely to prevent allergic reactions during flights.

Instead, they emphasize the importance of cleaning seating areas with wet wipes as a more effective method to mitigate risks.

The review points out that small food particles can easily stick to seats, tray tables, and screens, posing a risk as these residues might be transferred from hands to the mouth or face. However, the evidence suggests that nut allergens do not spread through airplane ventilation systems.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority commissioned the review to assess the risks for individuals with food allergies while flying. There is a widespread belief that peanut particles can be airborne in planes, leading many airlines to announce requests for passengers to avoid eating nuts on board.

Prof. Paul Turner, an allergy expert at Imperial College London and author of the review, clarified, “We didn’t find any evidence that nut particles could travel through the cabin ventilation system on airplanes and cause reactions. On top of that, the vast majority of people with food allergies don’t react to the smell of food, even if they are allergic to very small amounts.”

He explained that air circulates across the cabin rather than through it, with efficient filtering systems in place that remove most dust, vapours, and food particles from the air. Notably, air is exchanged every three to four minutes during flights, compared to every ten minutes in hospitals and classrooms.

The findings suggest that nut bans may inadvertently provide a false sense of security to passengers with allergies, as highlighted in the BMJ journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Previous studies have shown that peanuts can only be detected in the air at very low levels and in close proximity to the source. It is important to note that while vapours from seafood and wheat-flour particles can trigger allergic reactions, these instances are rare. The primary concern lies with passengers from previous flights leaving peanut residues on various surfaces.

Prof. Turner advised, “If food-allergic people can board first, and have time to clean their seat area with something like a baby wipe or antibacterial wipe, they are much less likely to have accidental reactions.”

For those at risk of severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, the review recommends carrying two adrenaline pens at all times. It also suggests that airlines should maintain a supply of them on board for emergencies and establish clear policies regarding food allergies on their websites.

Simone Miles, chief executive of Allergy UK, emphasized the need for air travel to be “safe and inclusive for everyone,” stressing the importance of understanding and supporting the needs of individuals with severe allergies, who often experience high levels of anxiety while traveling.

Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK, echoed this sentiment, stating, “A key take-home message is the importance of passengers cleaning their seat area, including the tray table and the seat-back entertainment system.”

With an estimated one in 50 children and one in 200 adults in the UK affected by nut allergies, the findings call for urgent attention to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers in the skies.