USDA Developing Low-Allergy Peanut

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working on developing a low-allergy natural peanut as an alternative for sufferers of severe nut allergies. They are working to process hypoallergenic peanuts from natural sources that include cloned nut and legume trees.

Once the researchers are able to determine the thresholds for allergens and antibodies that combat them, they are hoping that they can create a peanut with the lowest possible chances of triggering an allergic reaction. If successful, this peanut could then be farmed.

Severe peanut allergy is the most common cause of food related death in the US, and a growing number of children suffer from it. It's hoped that the low allergy peanut could help kids build immunity to the allergens from a young age and get rid of the need to take extreme precautions.