We investigated cases of anaphylaxis caused by an adverse reaction to food from major hospitals with over 200 beds across the country. These cases showed anaphylactic symptoms within 60 min after the ingestion of food allergens and required immediate medical attention. We sent questionnaires to 2,689 hospitals and 1,623 responded. The collection ratio was around 60%, Of the 1,623 hospitals, 498 had cases with adverse reactions to food. 1,573 cases agree with our premise. We analyzed the data and obtained new findings on food allergy. Copyright (C) 2001 S.Karger AG, Basel.