Rising Food Allergies in Singapore: A Growing Health Concern for Children

In Singapore, a quiet health crisis is emerging among the youngest in society. A new four-year study, spearheaded by the National University Hospital (NUH) and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), aims to uncover the prevalence and impact of food allergies in children, as cases surge across the city-state. With hospital visits for allergies tripling over the past decade and emergency cases for severe reactions skyrocketing, researchers are racing to understand why this once-rare condition is becoming a pressing concern—and what it means for families, healthcare systems, and society at large.

A Surge in Allergic Reactions

The numbers paint a stark picture. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of children testing positive for common food allergies—such as milk, eggs, peanuts, and shellfish—has risen threefold at KKH, according to Dr. Chong Kok Wee, head of the allergy service at the hospital’s pediatric medicine department. Emergency visits for food-related anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction causing breathing difficulties and plummeting blood pressure, have increased by two and a half times from 2015 to 2022. These are not mere statistics but alarming signals of a growing public health challenge.

Younger children are more likely to suffer from allergies to eggs, milk, and peanuts, while teenagers and young adults often report reactions to shellfish. Symptoms can range from itchy skin and eczema to swelling of the lips or tongue, and in severe cases, life-threatening breathing issues. Historically, food allergies were considered uncommon among Asian populations, as Associate Professor Elizabeth Tham, the study’s lead investigator at NUH, noted. Yet, clinical observations tell a different story. “In our clinical setting, we have been seeing rising numbers of food allergy patients” said Prof. Tham, highlighting a trend that defies past assumptions.

Why Are Allergies on the Rise?

The reasons behind this surge remain under investigation, but experts have proposed several contributing factors. Prof. Tham points to shifts in diet and lifestyle as potential drivers, while Dr. Chong suggests the increased use of antibiotics in children and the hygiene hypothesis—a theory that cleaner environments limit early exposure to infectious agents, heightening susceptibility to allergic diseases—could play a role. Although exact figures on allergy cases remain unavailable from NUH and KKH, both hospitals reported a 60 percent increase in food challenge tests, where patients are exposed to allergens under supervision, between 2022 and 2024.

Earlier data offers some context. A local study from 2011 to 2013 involving over 4,000 children aged 11 to 30 months found allergy rates of 0.51 percent for cow’s milk and 1.43 percent for chicken eggs. However, Prof. Tham emphasized that prevalence over the past decade has not been well-documented, underscoring the urgency of the current research to update these figures and assess the broader implications.

A Comprehensive Study to Uncover Impacts

Launched in response to these rising trends, the new study by NUH and KKH is a multi-faceted effort involving clinicians and researchers from the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Polyclinics (NUP), and the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. Spanning four years, it includes two years of participant recruitment followed by two years of data analysis. The first phase, which began in February 2025, targets at least 2,000 parents and caregivers of children aged one to two during routine developmental and immunization visits at NUP. Of the 549 participants recruited by mid-June, 79 reported a food allergy, signaling a significant presence of the condition even in early findings.

The second phase, set to start in July 2025, will focus on approximately 400 children aged 18 and under who have been diagnosed with allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, or shellfish for at least six months. Participants from the first phase, alongside existing NUH and KKH patients, will undergo questionnaires, growth and nutritional assessments, and blood and stool sample collections. The study aims to identify nutrient deficiencies, growth abnormalities, metabolic issues, and feeding behavioral challenges, with findings expected to shape future guidelines on nutrition, dietary management, and mental health support for affected families.

The Human and Economic Toll

Beyond the medical implications, food allergies impose a substantial social and economic burden. A 2013 study in the United States pegged the economic impact of food allergies in children at US$24.8 billion (S$31.6 billion), with US$20.5 billion shouldered by families through medical costs, special diets, and lost productivity. While comparable data for Singapore is not yet available, the current study seeks to quantify these costs locally for the first time, potentially paving the way for greater social and infrastructural support.

For families like that of Izlin Ismail, a 50-year-old studio manager at a creative agency in Singapore, the burden is personal. Her 13-year-old son, Hayden Anash, was diagnosed with allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts after a severe reaction at just three months old, requiring an emergency visit to KKH. Beyond medical expenses, Ms. Izlin notes the added cost of allergen-free groceries, which are often harder to source and more expensive. “I think restaurants and other places should be able to accommodate us and understand when we tell them we have a child with food allergies” said Ms. Izlin, reflecting on the challenges of navigating public spaces with a child at risk of severe reactions.

Looking Beyond Awareness

While awareness of food allergies has grown in recent years, Ms. Izlin believes more can be done to ease the burden on parents. Simple steps, such as eateries being more receptive to inquiries about allergens rather than dismissing them as fussiness, could make a significant difference. The research team echoes this call for broader societal support, collaborating with advocacy groups like Singapore Parents of Eczema and Allergy Kids (Speak), where Ms. Izlin serves as director and creative head, to amplify the voices of affected families.

The study’s outcomes could herald a turning point. By documenting the true scale of food allergies in Singapore and their ripple effects on nutrition, growth, mental health, and family finances, researchers hope to inform policies and programs that better support children and caregivers. This includes potential educational materials for schools, dietary guidelines for healthcare providers, and mental health resources for families grappling with the stress of managing a chronic condition.

A Forward-Looking Approach

As Singapore confronts this rising tide of food allergies, the collaborative efforts of NUH, KKH, and their partners offer a beacon of hope. The study’s comprehensive approach—blending clinical research with social and economic analysis—could set a precedent for how urban societies address emerging health challenges. Yet, as the research unfolds over the next four years, questions linger about how quickly support systems can adapt to meet the needs of vulnerable children. For now, families like Ms. Izlin’s continue to navigate a landscape of uncertainty, hoping for a future where allergies are not just understood, but actively accommodated.