Food Labelling and Allergies

Acknowledged the courage of Tanya and Emma, who lost their daughters to anaphylaxis due to allergen ingestion. Highlighted that the UK has one of the highest incidences of allergies globally with a significant increase in hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis over the past two decades. Emphasised the need for action regarding non-pre-packed food labelling and the appointment of an allergy tsar or lead accountable person to improve services.

He questioned the Government's resistance to appointing a national allergy tsar, given long-standing calls for such a position. Andrew Slaughter highlighted the impact of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse's death on his constituents, praised the work of her family in setting up Natasha's law, and emphasized that there is still much to do despite progress. He noted an over 600% increase in hospital admissions due to allergic diseases over two decades and called for more research funding. Slaughter argued against partial roles like Dr Claire Bethune's as inadequate substitutes for a full-time allergy tsar, emphasizing the need for joined-up clinical leadership. He also requested a meeting between the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and Government officials.

In the hospitality industry, there is a high turnover of staff which can lead to issues with allergy information. Ben Lake suggested that technology like electronic forms and QR codes could help new employees quickly access ingredient details when asked.

Ms. Furniss expressed concern over the preventable nature of Owen's death, due to inadequate food labelling in restaurants. She advocated for a change in legislation to require allergen information to be clearly displayed on menus alongside food items, similar to vegan symbols used by some establishments. She highlighted the rise in allergy cases across the UK and the need for better data collection and more investment in NHS allergy services.

Mr. Cruddas highlighted the high prevalence of allergies in the UK, noting that 44% of adults and 50% of children suffer from one or more allergic disorders. He called for an allergy tsar to champion sufferers and improve healthcare provision, supported by recommendations from various reports over two decades. The MP also emphasised the need for a national allergy action plan including better training for GPs and allergen labelling in restaurants.

Cameron thanked the hon. Member for Don Valley and highlighted the importance of explicit menu labelling, accurate data collection, and corporate responsibility across Government. She emphasised that progress needs to be made quickly to prevent further tragic deaths. Cameron also discussed the need for more allergy testing, staff training in hospitality sectors, and technological advancements such as blockchain digital technology to improve food labelling and distribution. Agreed with the Minister but stressed that over-cautiousness in allergen labelling is more sensible to ensure safety rather than risking lives.

The Food Standards Agency has highlighted that while young people are more likely to have food allergies, they are less likely to inform cafes or restaurants about them. Margaret Ferrier also noted data from 2022 showing smaller manufacturers focus on physical separation of ingredients and secure storage, whereas medium-sized businesses take additional steps such as cleaning between production runs. She urged for personalised guidance for all business sizes to improve their risk assessment in handling food allergies. She highlighted societal misconceptions about food allergies, citing that 600,000 people in the UK have coeliac disease but there is a misconception that gluten-free diets are chosen for health and cosmetic reasons. She argued more needs to be done to ensure public awareness of food allergy definitions and dangers.

Expressed support for appointing an allergy tsar to champion allergy sufferers, citing a constituent's near-fatal allergic reaction. Highlighted inconsistencies in precautionary labelling practices among food companies which lead to confusion and risks for allergy sufferers.

Paid tribute to Owen Carey, whose death from an allergic reaction to buttermilk highlighted the need for better allergy information on menus. Called for legislation mandating allergy information on menu faces and improved training for service staff regarding allergens. Asked how small outlets in her constituency are able to list allergens on their menus despite it being stated as a challenge for larger establishments.

The MP highlighted the importance of food labelling for individuals with allergies and intolerances. He mentioned that his constituency has the second-highest number of petition signatories, due to a local campaign related to Owen's law. The MP emphasised the need for better information on allergens and urged the Government to update progress on its response to the petitions.