Hi Clifden I have just searched 'allergen' to see if anyone has posted anything in regards to the new allergen regulations and what peoples thoughts are on this. I am surprised that no one has commented on this before me! Please find a link to the food standards agency website with all of the information you need: http://www.food.gov.uk/b...s-industry/allergy-guide Best wishes

These new regs will affect everyone who prepares or serves food.... So schools, care homes, hospitals, care workers, works canteens.... So its a shame the available guidance only really covers commercial catering outlets effectively.... I think most h&s people need to be at least aware!

I think we need to exercise some caution when discussing food allergy. I find there is considerable confusion between genuine food allergy and food intolerance. All too often those who suffer from an adverse reaction to a particular food assume that this is an allergy when it is actually intolerance. The two are not the same. Food allergy is a genuine reaction of the immune system. This involves Immunogloblin-E (IgE) which triggers the release of chemicals such as histamine. The reaction can be severe, even involving anaphylaxis. Genuine food allergy is relatively rare. Statistics suggest that only around 2% of the population suffer from this. Food intolerance involves other biological reactions. These vary depending upon the person and food. They may resemble an allergy, hence the confusion. However, with food intolerance the reaction is generally delayed, whereas with the IgE reaction this usually occurs within 3 - 30 minutes. Examples of food intolerance are lactose intolerance, reactions to specific E numbers (e.g. E102, E110) and substances such as caffeine. Food intolerance is more common than genuine food allergy. One estimate is that 45% of the population suffer an intolerance to one or more foods. If you want more on this then take a look at www.food.gov.uk/science/allergy-intolerance Chris