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Food allergies in childhood are on the rise and are therefore a topical issue in practice. In this article, we describe the most common allergens and risk factors for the development of a food allergy. The classification of IgE- and non-IgE-mediated food allergies and their respective clinical manifestations are highlighted. The importance of a careful diagnosis with targeted history taking and allergy testing and finally the performance of oral provocation for the diagnosis will be presented in a practical manner. We will discuss the care of families of children with food allergies, whereby support through nutritional counselling as well as equipping families with an emergency kit, including appropriate instructions for use, are important. Finally, the latest therapeutic approaches of specific immunotherapy, which aims to induce tolerance, are presented and the prognosis of food allergies is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]