Another Person's Poison: A History of Food Allergy

Description

For most of the 20th century, food allergies were considered a fad or junk science. While many physicians and clinicians argued that certain foods could cause a range of chronic problems, from asthma and eczema to migraines and hyperactivity, others believed that allergies were psychosomatic. This book traces the trajectory of this debate and its effect on public-health policy and the production, manufacture, and consumption of food.  Read more... Abstract: Another Person's Poison traces the trajectory of the debate over food allergies and its effect on public-health policy and the production, manufacture, and consumption of food. Matthew Smith illuminates society's troubled relationship with food, disease, nature, and the creation of medical knowledge.  Read more... Content: Food allergy before allergy -- Anaphylaxis, allergy, and the food factor in disease -- Strangest of all maladies -- Panic? or the pantry? -- An immunological explosion? -- The problem with peanuts.