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Food focus

Food allergies booklet aids 90,000 Kiwis

NZFSA has boosted its library of consumer publications with its latest booklet Eating Safely when you have Food Allergies.

The booklet was launched by Minister for Food Safety Annette King at NZFSA’s conference in November.

Eating Safely When You Have Food Allergies explains the symptoms and diagnosis of food allergies, includes information on what to look for on food labels and has tips for maintaining a healthy diet.

It’s been written by NZFSA’s food allergy experts with input from Allergy New Zealand.

Minister King told the conference audience: “Food allergy has been identified as a priority area for NZFSA. Around 4% of children and 2% of adults have a food allergy – meaning 90,000 New Zealanders are affected.

“NZFSA has taken a proactive role in this area and chairs an intergovernmental group on allergens as well as an internal working group to ensure good communication between teams working on aspects of allergen management in the food supply.”

NZFSA’s role in food labelling precipitated the publication. There is much confusion around allergen labelling among allergic consumers. Many are unable to identify the ingredients on a food label that they’re allergic to and find precautionary statements difficult to understand.

Eating Safely when you have Food Allergies includes information on symptoms and diagnosis, explains how to read a food label looks at food intolerance and includes tips for ensuring good nutritional uptake.

The aim is to provide consumers with more information so they can make better choices when managing their food allergy. The booklet also compliments the work of the Manufactured Food Database which is administered by NZFSA and provides lists of allergen-free foods (www.mfd.co.nz).

NZFSA is looking to expand its work around food allergies to provide information to health professionals and will include allergen management as a component in Food Control Plans which will be introduced as part of the government-approved Domestic Food Review.

Copies of the booklet can be ordered from NZFSA’s consumer helpline: 0800 693 721.

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