Banning nuts on flights does not cut the risk of allergic reactions, scientists say. Research commissioned by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority found no evidence that particles could travel through ventilation systems.
Residues on surfaces such as tray tables and seat-back video screens instead pose the main risk, heightened by fast turnaround times of low-cost carriers.
Study leader Professor Paul Turner, an expert in anaphylaxis and paediatric allergy at Imperial College London, said: “People shouldn’t be worried about what food is being transmitted in the air when they fly.
“We didn’t find any evidence that nut particles could travel through the cabin ventilation system on airplanes and cause reactions.
“On top of that, the vast majority of people with food allergies don’t react to the smell of food, even if they are allergic to very small amounts.”
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The experts reviewed evidence dating back to 1980, including research investigating whether aerosolised peanut was likely to cause a reaction.
In one study involving 84 children, a bowl of 300g of roasted peanuts was placed 50cm in front of each child. Only two developed mild symptoms and neither required treatment.
Writing in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the researchers concluded that announcements requesting “nut bans” were not supported and may create a false sense of security.
They added: “There is far greater exposure from peanut residue left on seat surfaces etc from previous flights, than sporadic nut consumption during a flight.”
The review found that the best way to prevent allergic reactions in the skies was to wipe down surfaces to get rid of “sticky” food proteins.
Prof Turner suggested that people with food allergies could instead be allowed to board the aircraft first so they can wipe down seat surfaces, tray tables and entertainment screens.
He said: “People touch these surfaces, and then the allergens can be transferred to their mouths.
“If food-allergic people can board first, and have time to clean their seat area with something like a baby wipe or antibacterial wipe, they are much less likely to have accidental reactions.”
The researchers also suggested that airlines should have adrenaline pens on board for use in emergencies.
Prof Turner said the team was now “having discussions with a number of major airlines as well as patient groups and anaphylaxis charities, to see if we can get some consistent changes in airline policy”.
Simon Williams, Anaphylaxis UK chief executive, said: “A key take-home message is the importance of passengers cleaning their seat area, including the tray table and the seat-back entertainment system.”