Why peanut allergies is such a big thing in north America?

I used to live in Brazil. I never ever heard people talking about peanut allergies. When I moved to Canada, it was a surprise to know how many people suffer from allergies! Is it the food industry with too many conservants? ...too many fast foods?

Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy. It is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from peanuts causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms for millions of people. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that the majority of pediatric and adult food allergy patients have a peanut allergy. It occurs mainly, but not exclusively, in children. It is usually treated with an exclusion diet and vigilant avoidance of foods that may be contaminated with whole peanuts or peanut particles and/or oils. The most severe peanut allergy reaction is called anaphylaxis and is an emergency situation requiring immediate attention and treatment with Epinephrine. Some peanut allergy symptoms include: atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives), asthma, anaphylactic shock, and various swellings of the digestive tracts. As with most allergies, avoidance is the key. Make sure you read all labels for foods, medicines, cosmetics, creams, and ointments. A history of allergic reactions after consuming a peanut may suggest an allergy.

While several companies have developed promising drugs to counteract peanut allergies, trials have been mired in legal battles.

I suppose that at one time, when you bought food, it was clear what was in the food. These days, the food industry adds stuff for their their convenience of shelf lufe and reduced cost, so cooking in peanut oil may reduce price, but let the buyer beware it they are allergic.

It is a bigger dal in a restaurant where people with such allergies are exposed to food that merely cooked in the pan of something prepared with peanuts.