Dodgers to host 'peanut-sensitive' game May 11

When the Dodgers face off against the Florida Marlins on May 11, some attendees with peanut allergies will be able to enjoy the game without the fear of ingesting them.

One section of Dodger Stadium will be cleaned to be free of any and all peanut products Monday. It's part of Major League Baseball's push to cater to baseball fans who are allergic to peanuts with "peanut-sensitive" games.

"It is so important when any Major League Baseball [team] or any major sporting event validates this condition by saying, 'You know what, we want our fans to be comfortable,'" says Louise Larsen, founder of Parents Of Kids With A Severe Peanut Allergy, The Blog.

She tells KPCC it's a way to help children with allergies feel relaxed and safe at a baseball game.

However, Vivian Stock-Hendel of Woodland Hills says a peanut-free section doesn't go far enough. Her son is allergic to peanuts.

"If the Dodgers wanted to help everyone with a peanut allergy, especially the kids that have airborne reactions who really can't go unless it's a peanut-free night — those kids will be disappointed by what the Dodgers are doing," she tells KPCC.

Dodger Stadium will still serve peanuts in other areas of the venue and cannot guarantee the absence of peanut particles or residue.

According to the nonprofit Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies, and one in 13 children in the U.S. is at risk of anaphylaxis, a sometimes fatal condition triggered by contact with allergens.

A representative for The Dodgers wasn't available to comment on the event.