No Allergy Peanuts

[Chuck S]

They had a segment on the news that they have developed a new variety of peanut...looks the same and tastes the same as a "regular" peanut, but watever most people with allergies are sensitive to has been engineered out.

If they are proven to be really safe to eat, I think this will be great for both allergic and non-allergic people...it will allow peanuts back into schools and flights for those that like them, even if someone has a peanut allergy.

 

[Christine]

I saw this too. As a mom of a peanut allergic child, it pleases me to see such progress.

Of course, my "negative" side sees this development a LONG time in the making. In order to feel "safe" with this peanut, ALL manufacturers are going to have to get on board with using this variety of peanut (I bet it's not cheap) and there is going to have to be some measure of accountability that regular old peanuts are not going to be used.

I'm betting this is going to be a problem. Especially if it comes down to money.

 

[Mermaid02]

I wouldnt' trust it. It's my son's life on the line and I'd just be more comfortable eliminating peanuts from his diet.

 

[NotUrsula]

One of the researchers where I work is also working on allergen-free peanuts and allergen-free soybeans. (Not the study that was mentioned; a different one.)

The only way to do this is to genetically modify the plant, and I can tell you that permission to grow it commercially will be very difficult to get, especially outside of the U.S. (because of the EU controls on GMO foods.) If I had to guess I'd say that they are probably at least 10 years from a commercial crop, and probably longer.

 

[ducklite]

This would be great for people like me who have a peanut allergy, but not a life threatening one. If it were pine nuts, which I do have a life threatening allergy to, I think I'd pass.

Anne

 

[solferino]

I saw this too. As a mom of a peanut allergic child, it pleases me to see such progress.

Of course, my "negative" side sees this development a LONG time in the making. In order to feel "safe" with this peanut, ALL manufacturers are going to have to get on board with using this variety of peanut (I bet it's not cheap) and there is going to have to be some measure of accountability that regular old peanuts are not going to be used.

I'm betting this is going to be a problem. Especially if it comes down to money.

I agree with this. I don't have a peanut allergic child, but do have a couple of friends who do. I have a hard time imagining all of the companies that use peanuts will all be doing this. And without the guarantees or accountability in place, no-one who is peanut allergic is going to be safe.

Great idea but I don't think it's going to get off the ground for a good, long time.

 

[mmcguire]

One of the researchers where I work is also working on allergen-free peanuts and allergen-free soybeans. (Not the study that was mentioned; a different one.)

The only way to do this is to genetically modify the plant, and I can tell you that permission to grow it commercially will be very difficult to get, especially outside of the U.S. (because of the EU controls on GMO foods.) If I had to guess I'd say that they are probably at least 10 years from a commercial crop, and probably longer.

Actually, the peanuts in the recent news stories weren't genetically altered at all. The scientists were interviewed on the local news (this was done at NC A&T, not far from where I live), and they used regular peanuts and processed them in the lab to eliminate the allergins.

Here's more info: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-07/ncas-naf072307.php

 

[DarthKTrava]

This may be good news. If they get it to work without setting off people's allergies. Wonder if they'll test it first on those with a minor peanut allergy first...

My sister was diagnosed last year with peanut and soy allergies. So, just maybe, she can enjoy those products that contain those items again... :crosses fingers:

And NC A&T isn't far from me either. Only about a half hour, depending on where in Greensboro it is....