All food ingredients to be listed for allergy sufferers

Today, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has proposed that all food outlets should list the ingredients of their foods, to protect customers with allergies.

Ministers are being encouraged to introduce strict rules, which include highlighting the main 14 allergens.

Learn more about the 14 allergens here: www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses

This news comes after the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who tragically died after eating a sandwich from Pret a Manger which she later discovered contained sesame seeds – an ingredient that wasn’t listed on her sandwiches’ label. Pret a Manger said it supports the new recommendations.

FSA chairwoman, Heather Hancock, explained that they’d chosen to recommend these strict rules as they understand that “ultimately, this is a life-threatening issue for a proportion of the population”.

The rules are very confusing right now, but they essentially stipulate that fresh food does not have to adhere to the same standards of ingredient labelling as pre-packaged food.

The government commented, “We are working at pace to bring forward legislation that ensures food allergy suffers can feel safe and secure.”

Many food allergies can cause a serious anaphylactic attack. This can be life-threatening if an injection of adrenaline (often known as an Epi-Pen) is not given straight away, and urgent medical attention is given.

It’s important that people know how to give these injections, in case they come into contact with somebody experiencing a reaction.

Luckily, we’ve got a course to cover this. It’s aimed at anyone who requires anaphylaxis awareness. The course covers the use of Epi-Pens, Emerade and Jext injections. Recognition of signs is also important, so intervention can happen quickly. Treatment, potential concerns and calling 999 for help is covered on the course, alongside ongoing care for the patient before help arrives.

We have a full classroom course for this and the certificate is valid for three years. You can sign up here: https://procourses.co.uk/request_quote

We also have a cheap and simple online course here, which is just as informative but omits the practical practice. Find out more and purchase here: www.profoodsafety.co.uk

When you have successfully completed your online or classroom course, you will be issued a ProTrainings wall certificate and wallet card!