Allergen Flashcards
Topic-6
what are 11 of the possible reasons for the rise in food allergens?
-increased awareness of allergens in food
-pollution
-dietary changes/ globalisation
-vitamin D deficiency
-reduced exposure to microbes
-overuse of vaccines/ antibiotics
-genetics
-pregnancy
-poor breastfeeding rates
-allergen exposure
-intestinal bacteria
why does the increased knowledge in food allergens increase the amount of people diagnosed with allergies? what is the positive and negative about this?
-over last 60 years improvements in medical knowledge means that there is a more accurate identification of the various food allergens
-increased awareness can lead of misdiagnosis or it can be confused with food intolerances which is less severe
how has increased pollution increased the amounts of food allergies?
-pollution has increased over last 60 years
-pollution can negatively affect the immune system and cause damage to air ways
-this could increase the prevalence of food allergens
why has dietary changes caused an increase in food allergies?
-increased consumption of processed food, additives and preservatives linked to allergies by damaging the immune system
-decreased consumption of fruit and veg linked to the immune system being poorly developed during childhood which makes people more susceptible to foo allergies
-less fruit and veg means less antioxidant vitamins which promote immune system
how does a vitamin D deficiency contribute to the rise on food allergies?
-vit D deficiency more common world wide due to increased time indoors and overuse of suncream
-vit D plays a role in immune system function, a deficiency causes a poor immune system causing increased allergies
how is a reduced exposure to microbes contributing to the rise in foo allergens?
-higher hygiene standards result in decrease exposure to microbes
-immune system cannot then build up a tolerance to microbes
-which contributes to allergies
how does the overuse of vaccines and antibiotics contribute to the rise in food allergies?
-overuse weakens the immune system
-evidence shows a link with overuse of antibiotics as a child to the likelihood of food allergies
-antibiotics kill healthy gut flora
-vaccination programmes play a role in the prevalence of allergies
how does poor breastfeeding rates contributes to the rise in food allergies?
-breastfeeding for at least 4 months are essential for a good immune system
-mothers antibodies are passed to the baby which helps to strengthen their immune system
how does gentics contribute to the rise in food allergies?
-children in families with allergies are more likely to get allergies
-as allergy rates increase so will the genetic tendency to develop these allergies
how does the decreased allergen exposure contribute to the rise in food allergies?
-new recommendations show that allergen foods should be introduced as early as possible to children
-parental fear and avoidance of these foods contributes to the rise in allergies
how does pregnancy contribute to the rise in food allergies?
-consuming a folic acid supplement in higher doses is linked to a rise in food allergies
-babies born by C section have a greater risk of developing food allergies
what are 6 food allergens?
-peanuts
-fish
-eggs
-soya
-shellfish
-wheat
how does globalisation contribute to the rise in food allergies?
-consumers now have a wider choice of ingredients and food
-the wider choice can contribute to allergies
-for example soy and soya products were not available as easily 20-25 years ago
what are the 11 things the FSA do to ensure food is safe for consumers with allergies and intolerances?
-legislation
-allergy research
-campaigns
-allergy alerts
-advice for schools and food businesses
-allergen training
-highlighting allergens on food labels
-allergen information resources
-enforcement
-training and education
-consumer advice
how does the FSA protect consumers with allergens through legislation? what an example of this legislation?
-they have legal requirements for food labelling
-they collaborate with food sectors to ensure legislation is being followed and to provide guidance
-the Food Information Regulations 2021 has labelling allergen requirements for prepacked foods
how does allergy research by the FSA help to protect consumers with allergies? what is the name of the body which does this?
-the FSAs Food Allergy and Intolerance Research Programme researches allergies
-provide up to date scientific and reliable research for consumers and businesses
-helps with allergen management
how do campaigns by the FSA help to protect consumers with allergies and intolerances?
-campaigns raise awareness about food allergies
-Speak up For Allergies provide guidance for young adults with allergies living away from home for the first time
how do allergy alerts by the FSA help protect consumers with allergies?
-FSA work with local authorities and consumer organisations
-ensure consumers are informed about incorrect allergen information on food products
-individual with allergies can receive notifications about product details through this service
how does advice for schools and businesses by the FSA protect consumers with allergies? what is the regulation associated with this?
-give necessary guidance to schools about their responsibilities in protecting pupils with allergies
-the Food Information Regulation 2014, makes all food businesses and school display allergen ingredient information
-easier identification of allergens
-give food businesses and manufactures guidance on best handling practices to prevent allergen contamination
how does allergen information resources by the FSA help to protect consumers with allergies?
-FSA offer resources to food businesses/ suppliers to track allergens in their products
-they help by responding to allergen information requests by consumers
-make this information easy and accessible to all consumers
how does the FSA use food labelling to ensure consumers with allergies are protected?
-food businesses must clearly highlight the presence of any of the 14 allergens
-using bold text or a different colour to ensure they are easily noticeable
-FSA ensure compliance with this through regular inspections
how do the FSA use enforcement to protect consumers with allergies?
-implementing allergen labelling legislation with local authorities ensures consumer protection
-they also work with local authorities to investigate and incidents where food has been marked unsafe or incorrectly labelled
-this is a key part of the agency’s work
how does training and education by the FSA help protect consumers with allergies?
-the FSA provide online training modules on food allergies
-this training highlights the good practices manufactures should follow to ensure safe production of food
-this training is designed for food organisations, manufactures and other food handlers
