Food Allergy Awareness Week, 13-19 May 2013
- Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Food Allergy Week is a national initiative to raise awareness and to support Australians with food allergies, which is a widespread public health problem on the rise.
This year marks the 20th year of Allergy and Anaphylaxis in Australia. To signify the fact that 1 in 10 babies* born in Australia today will develop a food allergy of some kind. This theme for this year's campaign is '1 in 10'. Foods that trigger most allergic reactions include cow's milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. Allergies to peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and sesame are mostly for life.
The campaign goal is to generate a better understanding of food allergy and the individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, plus to increase knowledge on how to reduce the possibility of a reaction, be able to recognise a reaction and know how to respond in a correct manner when it happens.
Agrifood Technology offers allergen testing to assist companies to meet food safety labelling guidelines and to safeguard the public. Our independent and comprehensive testing range covers all stages of the food supply chain lifecycle. Testing for the presence of food allergens is vital to ensure regulatory compliance and aid consumer protection.
For more information on:
Food Allergy Awareness Week: www.foodallergyaware.com.au
Or
Allergen Testing at Agrifood: 1800 801 312 or lab.vic@agrifood.com.au
* Osborne et al. Prevalence of challenge-proven IgE-mediated food allergy using population-based sampling and
predetermined challenge criteria in infants. J Allergy Clin Immunolol 2011; 127: 668-676