Advisory food labels: consumers with allergies need more than "traces" of information

Turner, Paul J.; Kemp, Andrew; Campbell, Dianne E.

doi:10.1136/bmj.d6180

Cited by 50 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…The use of precautionary statements, such as “may contain traces of peanuts” may be preferred the least due to the ambiguity of the statement and the necessity of consumers to use their discretion in choosing or avoiding these products. Different precautionary expressions may be confusing and the level of allergic risk associated with each expression may be deemed unascertainable [30, 31]. Additionally, these statements may be viewed as causing unnecessary diet restrictions as opposed to providing informed food choices [28, 29, 31, 42].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Consumer preferences for food allergen labeling

Marra

Harvard

Grubisić

et al. 2017

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol

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BackgroundFood allergen labeling is an important tool to reduce risk of exposure and prevent anaphylaxis for individuals with food allergies. Health Canada released a Canadian food allergen labeling regulation (2008) and subsequent update (2012) suggesting that research is needed to guide further iterations of the regulation to improve food allergen labeling and reduce risk of exposure.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to examine consumer preferences in food labeling for allergy avoidance and anaphylaxis prevention. A secondary objective was to identify whether different subgroups within the consumer population emerged.MethodsA discrete choice experiment using a fractional factorial design divided into ten different versions with 18 choice-sets per version was developed to examine consumer preferences for different attributes of food labeling.ResultsThree distinct subgroups of Canadian consumers with different allergen considerations and food allergen labeling needs were identified. Overall, preferences for standardized precautionary and safety symbols at little or no increased cost emerged.ConclusionWhile three distinct groups with different preferences were identified, in general the results revealed that the current Canadian food allergen labeling regulation can be improved by enforcing the use of standardized precautionary and safety symbols and educating the public on the use of these symbols.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Consumer preferences for food allergen labeling

Marra

Harvard

Grubisić

et al. 2017

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol

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“…There are currently 14 food allergens that must be disclosed. Current legislation does not cover cross-contamination 41 44. At the end of 2014, new legislation (the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation 1169/2011) will be introduced that will require food businesses to provide allergy information on food sold unpackaged, in catering outlets, deli counters, bakeries and sandwich bars 41…”

Section: Advisory Labelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The management of peanut allergy

Anagnostou

2014

Arch Dis Child

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Peanut allergy is common and can be a cause of severe, life-threatening reactions. It is rarely outgrown like other food allergies such as egg and milk. Measures aiming to reduce its prevalence via maternal avoidance during pregnancy and lactation, or delayed introduction into the diet, have failed to show any benefit. Peanut allergy has a significant effect on the quality of life of sufferers and their families due to dietary and social restrictions, but mainly stemming from fear of accidental peanut ingestion. The current management consists of strict avoidance, education and provision of emergency medication. Families find avoidance challenging as peanut is hidden in various food products. Despite the fact that food labelling has improved, with a legal obligation to declare certain food allergens (including nuts) in prepacked products, it still causes confusion and does not extend to cross-contamination. In an effort to address issues of safety at school, a lot of work has been undertaken to better care for peanut-allergic children in that environment. This includes training of school staff on how to recognise and treat allergic reactions promptly. Recent developments in the management of peanut allergy, such as immunotherapy, have shown some promise as an active form of treatment, but larger studies are required to further investigate safety and efficacy.

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“…In addition, manufacturers can choose to add advisory statements, although these are currently voluntary. Current legislation does not cover cross-contamination of food products 32 33…”

Section: Active Risk Management (Advisory Labels)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite the fact that most foods with advisory labels do not contain sufficient amounts of allergen to trigger a reaction in an allergic individual, the risk is not trivial, particularly for confectionery items 32. However, foods with no advisory labels may contain levels of allergen sufficient to trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals 34–36…”

Section: Active Risk Management (Advisory Labels)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Active management of food allergy: an emerging concept

et al. 2014

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IgE-mediated food allergies are common and currently there is no cure. Traditionally, management has relied upon patient education, food avoidance and the provision of an emergency medication plan. Despite this, food allergy can significantly impact on quality of life. Therefore, in recent years, evolving research has explored alternative management strategies. A more active approach to management is being adopted, which includes early introduction of potentially allergenic foods, anticipatory testing, active monitoring, desensitisation to food allergens and active risk management. This review will discuss these areas in turn.

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Advisory food labels: consumers with allergies need more than "traces" of information

Abstract: Vague warnings of possible allergen contamination of food are often unhelpful and may contribute to unintentional exposure. Paul Turner, Andrew Kemp, and Dianne Campbell call for a standardised approach

Cited by 50 publications

References 16 publications

Consumer preferences for food allergen labeling

Consumer preferences for food allergen labeling

The management of peanut allergy

Active management of food allergy: an emerging concept

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