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Prevalence of food allergies |
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Eight types of food account for 90% of all food allergies: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soya and wheat.
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The effects of food allergens |
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There is an increased awareness of the effects of food allergens. In some people the effects may cause mild to more serious discomfort, but for other people the effects can even be life-threatening. Food allergens typically affect skin, digestive track or respiratory system. Symptoms can be a rash, eczema, diarrhoea, cramps or other discomforts like headache.
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Food allergies and legislation |
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The prevalence of food allergies and the alarming trend of its increase amongst the general population, especially children, has fortunately not gone unnoticed by the authorities.
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Children and food allergies |
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Children fall into a special category needing more protection from food allergens as a much higher percentage of children suffer from food allergies than adults. Under the age of three the prevalence of food allergies can be as high as 6 to 8%, whereas for adults it is 2%.
For reasons scientists cannot yet explain, food allergies are increasing, especially among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of food or digestive allergies in those younger than 18 increased 18% in the last decade <link to CDC Report (Dec 2008)>. Similar statistics can be found from studies all over Europe. This alarming trend has also lead to new legislation in the EU and strict requirements for the labelling of all products.
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Consumers and food allergies |
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Consumers face a number of issues in dealing with food allergies for children:
- It is difficult and time-consuming to find allergy-free foods, often not available in supermarkets.
- Product ingredient information can be confusing or misleading
- The choice of products is very limited
- Available alternatives are often not tasty and treats are almost non-existent
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Food Allergies
