Dangers of food allergies

The Council’s environmental health section is working to highlight the dangers of possible allergic reactions to foods, targeting both caterers and Borough residents. 

A competition was held at the Council’s recent Community Open Day highlighting the possible allergic reaction in foods.  The public were invited to guess what might be in four dishes; doughnuts, ‘toad in the hole’, a glass of wine and spaghetti Bolognese.  There were three winners of the competition; Iolanda and Francesca Fasulo, sisters who completed the quiz together and Laura Millard.  The Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Carol Crump-Eynon presented them each with a £10 gift voucher.

In the UK about 10 people die every year from food allergies, most, however, suffer lesser symptoms some of which can be confused with food poisoning. There are also about 1,500 asthma deaths, some of which may be triggered by food allergies.  Teenagers and young adults seem to be at particular risk of severe reactions.  Food Allergies arise when the body's immune system comes into contact with a trigger substance (an allergen) that it recognises and then produces an antibody such as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This kicks off a rapid release of other chemicals - including histamine - that produce the unpleasant symptoms associated with allergy. Extreme reactions (anaphylaxis) can cause life-threatening collapse.

The Council is highlighting the need for catering businesses to be ‘allergen aware’ – identifying the ingredients of the menu and ensuring no risk of cross contamination throughout storage and preparation.  Further information is available on the Foods Standards Agency website, www.food.gov.uk/safereating/allergyintol or by telephoning the Council’s environmental health section on 01992 785511.