Allergy Alerts Reach A Record Level, UK

Main Category: Allergy
Article Date: 08 Dec 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The number of allergy alerts sent out by national allergy charity The Anaphylaxis Campaign so far this year has exceeded their 2007 record level of 58. The charity has been involved in no fewer than 60 alerts this year. The vast majority of those led to product recalls or withdrawals.

The likely explanation is that since the EU allergen regulations took effect, errors are being identified that weren't noticed before. Thanks to the regulations, industry is now giving serious attention to no fewer than 14 allergens.

Members of The Anaphylaxis Campaign receive postal alerts tailored to their specific allergy or allergies as part of their annual subscription. For further information or to join visit http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

David Reading, technical Director of the Campaign commented: "Clearly The Anaphylaxis Campaign would urge food companies to apply our charity Standard for optimum allergen control. We believe firmly that this Standard, launched in 2007, facilitates the setting up of watertight systems and procedures that will reduce the risk of human error, which is the root cause of most allergy related problems. "

Notes:

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction - the extreme end of the allergic spectrum. Symptoms may include generalised flushing, difficulty in breathing and can result in cardiac arrest and death. Around one million people across the UK are thought to be at risk of food-induced anaphylaxis.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign is a national registered charity that provides information and support to the growing number of people with life-threatening allergies, particularly to foods such as peanut. It also works vigorously to educate child-carers (e.g. schools and pre-schools), the food industry and health professionals. For more information visit http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

Source:

Vicky Field
The Anaphylaxis Campaign
PO Box 275
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 6SX

http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
Registered charity 1085527
http://www.cateringforallergy.org