Food allergy (PA) in children, especially at an early age, is still a significant public health problem. The severity of the course and prognosis of diseases associated with PA largely depend on the correct and timely diagnosis of this pathology, as well as on the further management tactics of the child. At the same time, both an untimely appointment of an elimination diet and an unjustified diet or its too long-term compliance can be an erroneous tactic of patient management, negatively affect the development and reduce the quality of life of the child. The article briefly describes modern practical approaches to the diagnosis of PA, based on evidence-based medicine and accepted as European and domestic consent documents, as well as on our own experience in managing patients with this pathology. Diagnosis of PA in a child usually involves conducting laboratory tests and clarifying clinical and anamnestic data. Unfortunately, it is often necessary to face the fact that preference is given to laboratory diagnostic methods that are based on the determination of specific IgE or skin samples. However, the basis for identifying a causally significant allergen remains a detailed collection of anamnestic data, which, together with the clinical picture of the disease, is still the most reliable tool for diagnosing PA.

food allergy, children, food tolerance, specific IgE, elimination diet.