This week is National Allergy Week and Coeliac Awareness Week, highlighting important issues for nearly two million people in the UK who are affected by these conditions.
There are approximately 200 known food allergens but the most common reactions are to a limited number of foods such as milk, eggs and peanuts.
People with food allergies are sometimes viewed as ‘fussy eaters’ but for those affected, food allergy can diminish the quality of their life and make normal events such as eating out difficult, while for others, having a food allergy can be potentially life-threatening.
Food allergy is often confused with intolerance, but these are different conditions. Both conditions are types of food sensitivity that can make you feel unwell but the main difference is that an allergy affects the immune system and causes immediate and sometimes life-threatening reactions, whereas food intolerance doesn’t.
If you think that you may have a food allergy, the only way to be sure is by visiting your GP, who can arrange a test for you. You shouldn't rely upon a diagnosis from over-the-counter allergy kits, which can be expensive, or cut out certain food groups from your diet without medical supervision.
Here at the Food Standards Agency we fund research into food allergies and intolerances and also work closely with the food industry and enforcement authorities to provide guidance and training. Last year we introduced online food allergy training so food business operators don’t even need to leave their workplace to learn about food allergy. This allergy training is also being launched in the Welsh language later this week, to ensure we reach as many people as we can. It’s open to anyone who would like to try it.
We also provide information and advice for consumers through our eatwell website and leaflets and regularly look at new initiatives to assist people affected by food allergy. We will continue to look at ways to improve the quality of life for those people affected by food allergy and food intolerance.