Allergens can cause severe and life-threatening reactions, so food businesses must adhere to allergen information requirements in order to reduce the chance of their customers having a severe reaction.
Allergens must be declared on food packaging or through advisory statements or declarations depending on how the product is provided to customers, so this fact sheet provides food businesses with information they can use to comply with applicable requirements.
Symptoms
Allergies are an immune response caused by something normally harmless that leads to an allergic reaction, known as Atopy. Reactions range from mild to severe and in extreme cases can become life-threatening (anaphylaxis).
All allergy symptoms are the body’s response to an allergen. When the immune system identifies an allergen, antibodies (immunoglobulins) are released in response. These proteins target and attach themselves to white blood cells lining mucous membranes of nose, eyes and lungs lining these areas, leading to release of histamine-related chemicals which trigger allergy symptoms including hives, runny nose, itchy eyes/ears, sneezing and rashes.
Food allergies typically manifest themselves shortly after ingestion of certain food items and often start within minutes. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, and their severity can change over time; anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic response, may lead to constricted airway, low blood pressure and shock which requires immediate medical intervention via an injection of adrenaline (epinephrine). Allergies can be divided into three main categories – food, indoor and seasonal allergies. Allergies may also lead to asthma attacks which is an ongoing chronic condition marked by breathing difficulties over an extended period.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing allergies begins with taking a thorough medical history of symptoms and their onset, duration and severity. Physicians also ask about family members with known allergies as this can provide clues as to whether or not allergies run in families; an important aspect of allergy detection.
Allergy tests such as skin prick, blood allergy (radio-allergosorbent) test, patch test and oral food challenge are commonly conducted to identify which allergen is causing allergic reactions in individuals. A skin prick test involves cleaning your arm or back before injecting tiny amounts of different allergens into it for skin prick testing; an immediate itchy sensation should indicate an allergy reaction in a particular allergen; blood allergy tests measure levels of antibodies such as Immunoglobulin E or IgE which helps identify any specific sensitivity against an allergen.
Oral Food Challenge involves administering small doses of the suspected allergen over an extended period under medical supervision, with small portions fed at regular intervals over time to the patient in an effort to accurately detect food allergies. Although considered accurate, this test should only be conducted by experienced allergists in their own office with emergency medication available nearby.
Management
Food businesses need effective allergen management strategies in place in order to comply with and safeguard customer expectations, including setting aside storage areas and dedicated equipment specifically for products containing allergens – in order to limit cross-contact risks and ensure customer safety. Effective communication and training must also take place; staff should have full knowledge of which allergens they’re dealing with as well as how to prepare safe meals for customers with allergies or intolerances.
Allergen transparency is also essential; UK regulations such as Natasha’s Law (named after a teenager who died due to undeclared allergens in prepackaged food) mandate businesses emphasize allergen information on ingredients lists and menus. Staying current with suppliers regarding how they determine allergen status may also prove helpful.
Technology solutions and software platforms can play an invaluable role in supporting businesses with their allergy management initiatives, helping track ingredient lists and automate communication with suppliers regarding allergen content. These devices can also help monitor for allergens in menu items and are especially helpful when businesses lack their own kitchen facilities. Regular training courses and updated resource materials are key for maintaining accurate food safety and allergy management knowledge; this can be accomplished via online learning modules, workshops or internal staff development resources. Furthermore, allergen training should be reviewed periodically as regulations and standards may change over time.
Prevention
Food allergies are a serious medical condition that can result in mild to severe reactions, including gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation and anaphylactic shock. Restaurants serving allergen-containing food must adhere to federal and state laws in order to help avoid allergic reactions from occurring.
Under the Food Allergen Labeling Act of 2004, all food sold within the US must contain labels to indicate which allergens it contains, including milk, eggs, fish (such as cod and bass), poultry meat, crustacean shellfish ( such as shrimp and crab), wheat and soybeans. Law requires that food allergens must be listed along with their common and scientific names or the name of an FDA-recognized alternative, such as butter. As well as monitoring for major allergens, the FDA monitors food supply to identify foods or additives which pose significant health risks and require special labeling; examples include gluten, certain additives (like yellow 5, carmine and sulfites), as well as newly identified allergens.
Allergen fact sheets can be an invaluable asset in your business. With them on hand and easily available for reference when necessary, allergen fact sheets allow your staff to easily identify dishes containing allergens so that they can provide advice to customers with food allergies on what dishes are safe to order. Make sure your charts are accessible to everyone; post them where everyone can see them or include them directly into your menu to give customers assurance they will receive prompt and accurate guidance on which options are safe.
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