NEW ALLERGY INFORMATION

The Food Standards Agency have published a new leaflet aimed at allergy sufferers – advising them how to ask for food in restaurants and cafes.  If you serve members of the public, we suggest you read the leaflet, to make sure you are aware of the advice it contains within. 

The leaflet has been put together with 6 major allergy organisations - Allergy UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign, the British Dietetic Association, the British Nutrition Foundation, Coeliac UK and Foods Matter.  Research by these organisations has shown that one potential weakness is when their message to the chef becomes lost, or lost in translation. 

This type of ‘chinese whispers’ can have devastating effects on a customer with a significant allergy – the new leaflet contains information on a new ‘chef card’ – which can be given to the chef directly, to ensure no information is lost.

To look at the new leaflet, follow the link below.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2009/dec/allergyleaflet