Food allergies

• What is a food allergy?


  A food allergy is when a person's body reacts negatively to a food they have eaten.
• What is an allergen?


  An allergen is a substance, such as food, that causes an allergic reaction.
• How can harmful chemicals in food affect us?


  Harmful chemicals in food can make us ill.
• What are the characteristics of food allergies regarding their onset and management?


  • Food allergies can begin at different ages.
  • There is no cure for food allergies.
  • Children can sometimes grow out of them.
  • The best way to avoid reactions is to remove the allergenic food from the diet.
• What should you do to avoid an allergic reaction when eating out?


  You should check food labels and ask staff about allergens.
• What does the UK government require regarding food allergens?


  The UK government has produced a list of 14 known food allergens that must be declared on food labels.
• Why is it important for chefs and waiting staff to be aware of food allergens?


  It is important so they can inform customers about allergens in the foods served.
• What is the role of the Food Standards Agency (FSA)?


  The FSA provides resources for food businesses to help them track allergens.
• What are the 14 known food allergens in the UK?


  1. Cereals containing gluten
  2. Crustaceans
  3. Dairy products
  4. Eggs
  5. Fish
  6. Fruit and vegetables
  7. Lupin
  8. Molluscs
  9. Mustard

  10. Nuts

  11. Peanuts

  12. Sesame seeds

  13. Soya

  14. Sulphur dioxide
• How must allergens be emphasized on food labels in the UK?


  Allergens must be emphasized by writing them in bold, CAPITALS, or highlighting them.
• What law was introduced in the UK regarding food labeling?


  A law was introduced requiring food businesses to include a full ingredients label on pre-packed food.
• What incident led to the introduction of the new food labeling law in the UK?


  The law was introduced following the death of a teenager who ate a baguette containing hidden sesame seeds.
• What is the purpose of the new stronger law regarding food allergens?


  The purpose is to protect people with allergies and enable them to have greater confidence in the food they buy.