Food allergies can be life-threatening and even deadly, if they lead to allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. To minimize allergic reactions, individuals must read ingredient labels and “may contain” advisory panels carefully in order to make informed choices and prevent reactions from developing.
Allergen Fact Sheets provide one-stop information on nine of the major allergens, with recipes and menu modifications tailored specifically to Adult Day Care providers and Child Care Center program operators. There are two sets available, with one dedicated for Adult Day Care providers and another tailored specifically for Child Care Center program operators.
Food Allergies in Schools
Schools must create food allergy policies in order to provide a safe learning environment. This must include education for staff, students and families regarding how best to prevent food allergies, manage reactions and create an atmosphere in the school where bullying of students with food allergies is not tolerated. To assist schools with the implementation of Voluntary Guidelines on Managing Food Allergies in Schools by the CDC.
School nurses serve as care coordinators, so it is vitally important that they are familiar with each student’s food allergies and medical needs. A signed emergency plan must exist for any student with food allergies containing allergens that list allergens, symptoms and provide instructions if an allergic reaction should occur.
School staff must receive training on the prevention and management of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This should include administration of epinephrine by delegated adults and use of emergency inhalers; instruction should also cover identification and communication of potential food allergy risks; packaging regulations; no sharing/utensil-sharing policies; curriculum review to remove allergenic foods; no eating on transportation policies etc.
Parents of children living with food allergies live alongside their child 24/7 and want to work closely with schools on supporting his or her health and safety. They want a partnership in place between both parties.
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA)
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires most food manufacturers to clearly declare any major food allergens found in their product, with eight such allergens comprising approximately 90% of reported food allergies in the US (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat tree nuts peanuts and soybeans).
FALCPA mandates that food sources of major allergens must be identified either through an ingredients list or “Contains” statement on the same line as it. Furthermore, synonyms can be used when declaring any eight major food allergens; lecithin is a derivative of soy beans and therefore considered an appropriate replacement when labeling under FALCPA.
It further provides that manufacturers may include an advisory label warning consumers of possible unintended cross-contact between major food allergens in its manufacturing process and major food allergens listed by FDA; and FDA can inspect and approve manufacturers’ written plans to reduce or eliminate such contact.
However, the Act’s allergen labeling requirements do not extend to products regulated by the Department of Treasury such as alcoholic beverages or meat, poultry and egg products regulated by USDA. AAFA supports efforts that strive to make allergen labeling consistent across all products regulated.
Food Allergens in Canada
Allergens are proteins that cause specific immune reactions in people with food allergies, including mild, moderate or severe reactions that can even result in life-threatening anaphylaxis reactions.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency works closely with health professionals and industry to ensure food allergens are clearly labeled on Canadian food labels. Allergens likely to cause life-threatening or serious reactions such as peanut, soy, milk, egg, shellfish, wheat tree nuts and crustaceans are named and identified on food labels across Canada. In addition, CFIA works with industry on improving labelling requirements for priority allergens and gluten sources as well as creating new methods of detecting undeclared allergens in foods.
Allergen charts may not be required by law, but they’re an invaluable way to help your staff remember which foods contain which allergens. By having these charts easily accessible for staff members to consult when providing customers with safe options rather than searching through menu items one at a time for safe options, allergen charts provide fast access and enable staff members to advise customers quickly on which ones may contain allergens. Consider hanging your allergen charts on walls or inserting them in menus so customers can consult advice when ordering for guidance if needed!
Health Canada
Parents of children with food allergies face daily obstacles when raising healthy and happy children. They must plan ahead to ensure safe food is available, and educate their child’s caregivers (teachers, daycare workers and coaches) on safe eating procedures. This constant planning and vigilance can be exhausting as it requires staying on top of things when dining away from home.
These fact sheets aim to assist individuals in managing their food allergies at work and play. Conceived by experts in food allergy management, these fact sheets were developed for use alongside Health Canada’s Allergen Labelling Information for Consumers.
Health Canada received nearly 140 comments during pre-publication consultations for this proposal from consumers, health professionals, patient groups and various industries regarding proposed regulatory amendments; most supported them while also suggesting ways they could be improved upon.
Health Canada decided to add mustard seeds and shellfish to its list of food allergens as part of a response to Canadian needs, aligned with approaches taken by major trading partners including the United States, European Union and Australia/New Zealand. Health Canada will monitor ongoing scientific evidence both nationally and internationally with special consideration given to data specific to Canadian circumstances, with further regulatory changes possibly necessitated in response.
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