Did you know that there are 14 common food allergen categories?
Yes, it's true! There are 14 common food allergen categories that everyone should be aware of. These 14 allergens include: gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupin and molluscs.
While many people can enjoy these foods without any issues, those with food allergies or intolerances can experience severe reactions if they consume them, sometimes with fatal consequences.
In 2021, Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, tragically died from an allergic reaction to sesame seeds in a sandwich she had bought at an airport. This brought about new and much needed regulations requiring all food businesses to list full ingredients on pre-packaged foods and is designed to protect consumers with food allergies and intolerances by making it easier for them to identify potential allergens in the foods they eat.
Under these regulations which were named “Natasha’s Law”, food businesses must label any of the 14 major allergens that are present in their products. Businesses must also clearly display allergen information on pre-packaged foods, including those sold in cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets. This helps consumers to make informed choices about the foods they eat and avoid potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Natasha's Law is a significant step forward in protecting people with food allergies and intolerances but remember if you are dining out or purchasing food products it is always a good idea to check the ingredients list and ask about allergen information if you are in any doubt or unsure. Many restaurants and food businesses now provide detailed information on their menus or websites to make it easier for those with food allergies or intolerances to make safe choices.
By educating ourselves and others on the 14 common food allergen categories and taking steps to ensure safe dining experiences, we can all enjoy delicious food without any worries. With specific courses in Allergy Awareness and Basic Life Support including Anaphylaxis, we at Fabtraining can help with this education and help
spread the word and make dining experiences safe for everyone!