FSA launches guide for people buying food and eating out with allergies

An advice leaflet for people who have been newly diagnosed with a food allergy has been published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in collaboration with six allergy and nutrition organisations.

The leaflet, 'Buying food when you have a food allergy or intolerance', guides people with a food allergy or intolerance, including coeliac disease, through the steps to remember when buying food and when eating out.

The topics covered include checking the label on pre-packed food, what to look out for when foods aren't pre-packed, talking to restaurant staff about your allergy, and what to watch out for when using self-service restaurants.

The Agency worked closely with Allergy UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign, the British Dietetic Association, the British Nutrition Foundation, Coeliac UK and Foods Matter to produce the leaflet.

Sue Hattersley, head of the Agency's Food Allergy Branch, said: "We have worked very closely with all of the major food allergy support groups and many of our leading allergy consultants to ensure that newly diagnosed patients receive consistent and reliable advice. We hope that consumers diagnosed with a food allergy or intolerance will find the leaflet a useful checklist to refer to when buying food."

To order a copy, telephone 0845 606 0667 or email: foodstandards@ecgroup.co.uk

Words: Maria Bracken

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