Very few studies into food allergy have been performed in New Zealand, and to help overcome this a new Food Allergy Research Fund is being launched by Allergy New Zealand, to coincide with Allergy Awareness Week (16-22 May 2010). One study that was carried out found high numbers of children have adverse reactions to food, yet few are tested for food allergies. (One in 20 Australians and New Zealanders will develop a food allergy, usually a transient one, says the Australasian Society of Clinical Allergy and Immunology). Lead researcher Christine Crooks and immunologist Dr Rohan Ameratunga investigated parent-reported adverse reactions to food in children aged from birth to five years through Plunket centres. “Adverse reactions to foods and eczema are a public health concern in New Zealand and remain under-investigated even in children with severe symptoms. These children remain at increased risk of continued poor health,” Dr Ameratunga said. The new fund to support research projects, and to help improve the daily lives of allergic individuals and families, has had a kick-start of $10,000 generously donated  by Allergy New Zealand ambassador Peter Leitch (aka The Mad Butcher) , whose grandson suffers from food allergies.