[rhombus]

It is as bad as anthrax for a peanut allergic person. It can kill the person, even if just by ingestion/inhalation of peanut dust.

I don't remember this being such a HUGE issue when I was a child. Is it on the increase or just another media-driven crisis item?

[dinoparty]

It is on the increase. They do not have an explanation yet. My 2-year old son is allergic to peanuts. We found out when I tried to give him PB on bread. He broke out in hives all over his face and had labored breathing. We took him to the emergency room, where he got an IV and very intensive care by the doctors.

Media can’t make that up.