Issue #161 discusses two common allergies – to cow’s milk and to house dust mites - and how to manage these as well as current recommendations on prevention strategies. There is also a review of a major report on food allergy, with recommendations for global actions to improve quality of life for the millions affected. We also discuss coconut and whether it is or is not a tree-nut. In our regular features, ‘Conversations with Izzy’ looks at the need to ‘carry the bag’, the Malaghan Institute discusses cell metabolism in relation to allergic disease, and the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation describe their new e-learning courses on asthma and COPD. Anna Schmidt finds an allergy-friendly cafe in Mt Maunganui, and Alana Scott provides more allergy-free recipes.