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We understand how challenging it can be to navigate food allergies, especially when tests and symptoms leave you uncertain. That's why we offer private, same-day, and next-day appointments for allergy consultations that offer oral food challenges and supervised feeds, giving your child the care they need quickly and without the need for a GP referral. Our expert allergy specialists provide a safe and supportive environment to help identify food allergies and offer peace of mind for families.
An Oral Food Challenge is a proven, reliable method used by allergy specialists to determine whether your child has a food allergy. It is often recommended when:
By conducting a controlled, supervised oral food challenge, we can help clarify whether your child’s symptoms are related to a specific food, offering you critical insight into their health and safety.
£565
£315
(45 min)
£200
£250
Once an initial allergy consultation has taken place, our specialist will be able to assess the need for an oral food challenge. Please note: an oral food challenge cannot take place without a consultation first.
If your child is scheduled for an oral food challenge, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare. An oral food challenge is a carefully supervised test performed by allergy specialists to confirm or rule out food allergies.
Here's what you need to know:
An oral food challenge is a diagnostic test that helps:
The challenge will take place in our medical clinic on Francis Road, Birmingham, where trained staff and necessary medical equipment are available. Allergy specialists will closely monitor your child throughout the process to ensure their safety.
The duration of the challenge can vary, typically lasting several hours, depending on the food being tested and the monitoring requirements. Be prepared for the test to run longer than expected.
We will let you know everything to bring on the day. If the clinic cannot provide the food for the challenge, you'll need to bring it with you. And, we encourage parents to bring a change of clothes and extra diapers for infants. Favourite toys, books, a tablet or blankets can help keep your child calm and entertained during the wait.
While allergic reactions during an Oral food challenge are uncommon, the medical staff will monitor your child closely throughout the process. If a reaction occurs, treatment will be provided immediately, and the severity of the reaction will guide the response. Treatments can range from mild interventions (for things like a rash) and very rarely more serious measures if needed.
Dr Tom Dawson is a highly skilled paediatric consultant with over 20 years of experience in allergy care. He specialises in diagnosing and managing food allergies, asthma, eczema, and other allergic conditions. Dr Dawson developed the paediatric allergy service in Worcester, where he pioneered diagnostic allergy testing and immunotherapy treatments, including food and drug challenges.
He holds an MSc in Allergy from Imperial College London and has contributed to research, academic journals, and international conferences. Dr Dawson is the chair of the Midlands Paediatric Allergy Group and plays an active role in national committees, including the BRIT registry for immunotherapy and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's allergy standards group.
With his extensive clinical expertise and commitment to advancing allergy care, Dr Dawson is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for children with allergies.
Dr Atanu Mukherjee is a Consultant Paediatrician with a specialist interest in Respiratory Medicine and Allergy. He has been practising as an NHS Consultant Paediatrician since 2015, with more than 10 years of experience caring for children and young people with a wide range of acute and long-term health conditions. Alongside his NHS role, he is now beginning his first private practice.
His clinical expertise spans general paediatrics, paediatric respiratory medicine, and paediatric allergy. At the clinic, he provides specialist consultations for children and young people with respiratory conditions and allergic disorders. He takes a patient- and family-centred approach to care, working in partnership with children and their families to ensure that decisions are shared, evidence-based, and tailored to each child's individual needs.
Dr Mukherjee holds an MBBS, Diploma in Child Health (DCH), Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH), and a Master of Science (MSc) in Allergy with Merit from the University of Southampton. He is a member of several professional organisations, including the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the British Paediatric Respiratory Society, the European Respiratory Society, the British Paediatric Sleep Society, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and the British Medical Association.
We provide a compassionate and experienced approach to food allergy testing.
Here’s why families choose us for their food allergy challenges:
4.6
from 871 Google reviews
The care was exemplary: thorough, professional, detailed and helpful. Though not cheap, I am glad I took this route to understand my allergy.
Great services and friendly practitioners. Got my annual Kenalog injection today for my Hayfever. I booked Friday night and got in on Saturday morning. Really quick and easy to book.
I definitely can feel a massive difference in that I'm no longer reacting pollen... so it was worth the money.
All staff very friendly & helpful
Located in the heart of Birmingham, our clinic on Francis Road is a welcoming, professional environment designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by expert allergists and nurses, we ensure your child receives the highest standard of care.
Food allergen challenges, also known as oral food challenges, are tests performed under medical supervision to determine if a specific food causes an allergic reaction. Small, controlled amounts of the suspected food are given, and the child is monitored closely for any signs of an allergic response.
This is a very low-risk challenge that some parents might do at home, but others may feel too anxious. Allergy testing will have already been done and will be negative, and the child will usually have no medical history of having reacted to these foods. This may be in a child with other allergies, e.g. peanut allergy, but has not had exposure to other nuts or perhaps where a parent has a nut allergy and does not want to be exposed. Up to three allergens are given in quick succession or mixed, depending on the child’s age, followed by an observation period. Occasionally, some parents will request this during weaning.
Midland Health has partnered with a highly reputable electronic prescription provider, SignatureRx, to make receiving your prescriptions faster and easier. With our new paperless system, you can choose to collect your medication using your secure prescription code or have it delivered directly to your home free of charge. There’s no need for paper prescriptions or multiple pharmacy visits.
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Medically Verified
This content has been medically reviewed and verified by Dr Rupa Parmar.
Medical note: This page provides general information and is not a substitute for urgent medical care. If you have severe symptoms, seek urgent help.
Last updated: Jul 2026
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