The Problem- Allergens As A Food Safety Hazard Lynne Regent Anaphylaxis Campaign CEO @LynneRegentAC
Who we are Only UK wide charity solely focused on supporting people at risk of severe allergic reactions • Information • Support • Campaigning • Fundraising
Contents of this presentation • What is Anaphylaxis? • Prevalence • The impact of Anaphylaxis • The regulatory and standard requirements for allergen control
An extreme and severe allergic reaction affecting the whole body Symptoms can include; • Rashes • Swelling of the mouth and throat What is • Abdominal pain and vomiting Anaphylaxis? • A sudden feeling of weakness • Collapse and unconsciousness
• Food allergy affects 1-2% adults and 5-8% of children • Equates to about 2 million people in the UK • Over 200,000 people have been prescribed adrenaline auto injectors Allergies of all kinds are on the increase • 1 in 50 children in the UK has a nut allergy Prevalence: • Peanut allergy cases have tripled in the last The Facts decade • 33% increase in hospital admissions for allergic reaction in the last 5 years • It is a universal problem affecting all ages and those who care for them
Fatalities in 2017 Unfortunately, around 20 people a year die from anaphylaxis Megan Lee Ishmaeel Ashraf Chloe Gilbert Owen Carey Karan Cheema Age 15 Age 9 Age 15 Age 18 Age 13 Suspected allergen: nuts Suspected allergen: milk Suspected allergen: milk Suspected allergen: nuts Suspected allergen: milk Female Nainika Tikoo Georgina Hickman Paul Ryan Age 19 Age 9 Age 24 Age 53 Suspected allergen: Suspected allergen: Suspected allergen: Suspected allergen: multiple foods blackberries peanut antibiotics - erythromycin
The physical im impact of severe all llergy
The Emotional & Psychological impact • Potential exposure occurs daily • Constant vigilance required • Time consuming & exhausting • Can lead to ‘fear of food’ • Nutrition deprivation • Impact enjoyment levels • Fear of not knowing how to respond in the event of a serious reaction
The educational & developmental impact School days lost; • Medical appointments, reactions, associated conditions; eczema, asthma Difficulties at school; • School meals, vending machines, treats, cooking lessons, school trips; could lead to exclusion from peers
The impact on employment Both allergic individuals and carers may need; • Time off work • Part time work or roles that are less demanding • In some cases employment ceased or not started
The social impact Relationships; • Informing partners, need for precautions - difficult for adolescents Proximity to a hospital; • Where you live, where you work, where you socialise Travel • Where you go on holiday, type of holiday, which airline Bullying • Exclusion, misunderstanding and judgement
The impact on carers and families • Worrying for loved ones • Anxiety about certain situations school, with friends, home alone, holidays • Siblings may feel deprived of attention - can lead to resentment • Strained relationships with relative and friends - asking them to make adjustments to behaviour
EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation • Provide information about 14 allergens EC General Food Law Regulation • Prohibits unsafe food being placed on the market The Law; Food Safety Act 1990 eating out • An offence to sell food which is not of the nature or substance or quality demanded by the purchaser
The European Union Food Information for Consumers Regulation Information about 14 allergens; • as an ingredient • used during preparation Presentations of information; • can be provided in writing • or provided verbally If information is not provided upfront • clear signs must indicate how to obtain it
EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation • Declare the presence of 14 allergens when they appear • Must be highlighted in the ingredients list The Law; In the absence of an ingredients list • e.g. a bottle of wine, allergens to be indicated pre-packed by “contains” followed by the name of the food allergen
Local authority Environmental Health Officers and/or Trading Standards Officers are responsible for enforcement • When a business fails to comply I. Firstly offer help with a step by step Enforcement approach of II. If no improvement – issues an improvement notice regulations; eating out
Mr Zaman - Indian Garden restaurant in North Yorkshire • Mr Zaman changed order from almond powder to groundnut powder • Failed to update his menus with correct information January 2014 - peanut allergic Paul Wilson ordered a takeaway, requested and was confirmed to have a ‘peanut free meal’ Paul Wilson died from anaphylaxis • The day after Mr Wilson's death, Mr Zaman rang his supplier and asked to swap his remaining groundnut powder for almond
The Conviction • Trial May 2016. Mr Zaman pleaded “not guilty” to the charge on manslaughter • 23 May - Mr Zaman found guilty of manslaughter and given a 6yr prison sentence • 12th October 2017 - The Court of Appeal dismissed Mr Zaman’s appeal • Lord Justice Hickinbottom, "In our view, his negligence in this case was n just gross, his behaviour, driven by money, was appalling’’
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