A new study on peanut allergy, which is being conducted at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, UK, is expected to make food warning labels clearer for consumers in the UK.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) had commissioned the trial, and the agency plans to use the study information to improve the clarity of food labelling for peanut-allergic consumers in the UK.
Food manufacturers generally use 'may contain nuts' warnings as they cannot be sure whether products may, by accident, contain peanut.
The TRACE Peanut Study aims to identify exactly how much peanut will cause an allergic reaction in those with a peanut allergy by conducting 'challenges' on around 100 people.
The focus area of the study will be on two 'extrinsic' factors known to influence allergic thresholds - exercise and tiredness. The study is expected to offer guidance on improving the labeling for a range of food products.
FSA head of food allergens Sue Hattersley said that improved labelling and advice would help consumers better manage their allergy.
The final results of the study are scheduled to be published in May 2016.
Currently, about 200,000 to 400,000 people in the UK are estimated to be allergic to peanuts and about one in 50 children is believed to have the condition.
