Study finds that about one-third of infants diagnosed with peanut allergy are not actually allergic and can safely eat peanuts.

What it means

A study from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that about one-third of infants diagnosed with peanut allergy are not actually allergic. When given an oral food challenge (the gold-standard test), these infants could safely eat peanuts without reaction. The finding suggests that current diagnostic methods—often based on blood or skin-prick tests—may overestimate peanut allergy in very young children, leading to unnecessary avoidance.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is reported by multiple reputable outlets (ABC News Australia, New Scientist, The Age) citing the Murdoch Children's Research Institute as the source. It likely stems from a peer-reviewed study, though the exact journal and sample size are not stated in the reporting. The solidity of the core finding is high given the cross-source consensus and the institute's credibility.

How new

The story is genuinely new, published across outlets on November 4–5, 2026.

Go deeper

• New Scientist — first to publish