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NSW food businesses and consumers are being urged to be aware of their responsibility when it comes to managing the growing incidence of food allergies in our community, ahead of Food Allergy Week, Sunday 26 May – 1 June 2019.
NSW Food Authority CEO Dr Lisa Szabo said the NSW Food Authority supports the awareness initiative to remind food businesses and consumers of the important role they play when it comes to managing food allergies.
"This year’s Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia Food Allergy Week theme is ‘Be aware and show you care’,” Dr Szabo said.
“While people living with food allergies are generally keenly aware of their condition, they need the support of the wider community, both consumers and food businesses alike, in managing it safely.
“Above and beyond caring, it’s also the law for those who sell or manufacture food to provide accurate information and labelling about food allergens that may be contained in their product.”
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia reports that ten foods are responsible for 90 per cent of food allergy reactions - these foods must be declared:
- peanuts
- tree nuts (such as almonds and cashews)
- eggs
- milk
- fish
- crustaceans (shellfish such as prawns and lobsters)
- sesame
- soy
- wheat
- lupin.
Dr Szabo said the Food Authority has a number of programs and initiatives in place to help educate and inform people and businesses about their responsibilities when it comes to food allergies.
“The Food Authority’s website is a great resource for people who live with food allergies, or parents and carers seeking information to help a child diagnosed with food allergies,” she said.
“It includes a dedicated section about food allergies and intolerances which outlines various tips and hints for food shopping or eating out, and how the NSW Food Authority works to help people safely manage their condition.”
Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergies in the world Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia statistics show that one in ten babies born in Australia today will develop a food allergy.
Further information about food allergies for food service businesses and consumers are available from the NSW Food Authority website www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au or by calling the NSW Food Authority Helpline on 1300 552 406.