Food Provocations and Challenges
A food provocation or oral food challenge (OFC) is a safe, controlled test used to confirm or rule out a food allergy. It involves eating gradually increasing amounts of a specific food under close medical supervision to safely and accurately diagnose allergies.
At a glance
- Paediatric Patients Aged 0+ Seen
What is a Food provocation or challenge?
A food provocation or challenge test (sometimes called an oral food challenge, or OFC) involves eating small, increasing amounts of specific test food at regular intervals while being carefully monitored by an allergy specialist. They’re usually used when skin or blood allergy tests have given unclear results.
Food challenges can be open, where both the patient and doctor know what’s being tested, or blinded, where either you or you and your doctor don’t know whether the real food or a placebo is being given.
Food provocation and challenge tests are used by our specialists to:
confirm or rule out a suspected food allergy
identify whether a child has outgrown a known food allergy
assess tolerance to foods after allergy treatment or immunotherapy
ensure safe reintroduction of foods into the diet
Getting an accurate diagnosis of a food allergy helps you avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions and gives you confidence about which foods are safe to eat.
At Welbeck, our allergy specialists carry out food provocation and challenge tests in our state-of-the-art Allergy centre, where expert clinicians work together using advanced diagnostics and treatment options to provide safe, accurate results.
Paediatrics
We offer appointments to paediatric patients aged 12 to 18. For full information on our paediatrics service, please visit our main Paediatrics page.
More information
Before your test, you’ll have a consultation with your specialist to explain the test, how to prepare for it, and answer any questions you may have. Your test will take place in a dedicated room in our Allergy centre and typically takes between 2 and 4 hours, including observation time.
During the test:
you’ll eat a very small amount of the test food, and be monitored for any sign of reaction
after 15 to 30 minutes, if no reaction occurs, the amount is slowly increased
if there’s no reaction, you’ll continue until a meal-sized portion has been eaten
you’ll be observed closely after each dose for any signs of allergy
if symptoms occur, the test is stopped, and emergency medications (for example, antihistamines, oral steroids, or adrenaline) are given, if needed
If you don't have any symptoms during the test, you’ll be free to go home within 1 to 2 hours of completing the test. If you have allergic symptoms, you’ll stay under observation for up to 4 hours from the time symptoms go away or improve. Occasionally, longer observation periods are required for patients with more severe reactions.
After your test, your consultant will review your results with you and explain whether the food can be safely reintroduced into your diet or should continue to be avoided. If needed, you’ll receive a personalised allergy management plan before you leave, with clear guidance to help you manage your symptoms confidently at home.
Food provocation and challenge tests are considered very safe when performed in a controlled clinical setting by experienced specialists. Reactions, when they occur, are treated immediately with medications such as antihistamines or adrenaline.
The most common mild side effects include:
skin rash or itching
mild swelling
stomach discomfort
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare, and your specialist team is fully equipped to manage them safely if they occur. There’s no evidence that having an allergic reaction during a food challenge test makes future reactions worse.
Before your test, your consultant will review your medical history and explain how to prepare.
To ensure clear and reliable results:
you should be in good health on the day of the test
long-term allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever should be well controlled
you must stop taking antihistamines 3 days before the test, as these can hide early allergy symptoms
You can usually continue to use inhalers, nasal sprays, and eye drops as prescribed. Your consultant will confirm which medicines to stop and which to continue.
If no allergic reaction occurs during the test, you’ll be able to go home shortly afterwards and continue with your usual activities. If a reaction does happen, your specialist will give you the appropriate medication straight away and monitor you closely until you’re fully comfortable and it’s safe for you to go home.
Please contact our Allergy centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our allergists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a food provocation or challenge, you must be referred by either your GP or an allergist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck allergist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, although it’s uncommon. Most allergic reactions happen within minutes, but some can occur a few hours later. You’ll be given clear advice on what symptoms to look out for and what to do if they appear once you’re home. If you have any concerns after your test, you can contact your specialist team at Welbeck for advice and support.
Yes, in most cases, you can drive home after your food challenge test. If no allergic reaction occurs, you’ll be observed for a short time before leaving, and you should feel well enough to return to your normal routine. If you do react, you may prefer to arrange transport or have someone accompany you, just in case you feel tired afterwards. Your consultant will always make sure it’s safe for you to go home.
It’s quite common for children to feel nervous about eating a food they’ve been told might cause a reaction. Our paediatric allergy specialists are highly experienced in helping children feel calm and supported. We take things slowly, use small amounts at first, and explain each step clearly. If your child is still uncomfortable, the test can be stopped or postponed.
No, a food challenge is a diagnostic test, not a treatment. Its purpose is to confirm whether you’re allergic to a specific food or whether you’ve grown out of an allergy.