Melbourne is officially the world’s food allergy capital.

Nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat – you name it, we can’t eat it.

Research director Katie Allen told Ross and John it is related to being part of an industrialised society.

‘We do know children in developing countries have lower rates,’ Prof Allen said.

‘What we’re trying to work out is what aspect of living in developing countries is protective.’ 

Prof Allen said we may be ‘overwashing’ our food.

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