A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to specific foods. Although allergic reactions are often mild, they can also be very serious and in some cases fatal.
The UK has some of the highest rates of allergic conditions in the world. Over 20% of the population is affected by one or more allergic disorder. (Allergy UK)
Even trace amounts of allergens, especially nuts and cows milk can cause severe allergic reactions. For some people resulting in anaphylaxis, a severe possibly life threatening reaction.
“In the 20 years to 2012 there was a 615% increase in the rate of hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in the UK.” (Allergy UK)
There are no widely-available medical treatments which prevent someone having an allergic or intolerant reaction. Treatment is often provided after a reaction has taken place. Therefore avoidance is the key to controlling any food allergy or intolerance. Those at risk must avoid contact with the foods to which they are allergic in any form.
There are 14 main foods that are widely recognised as being hypo allergenic. All catering organisations are required by law to clearly identify if any food contains these allergens.
Peanuts & NUTS
Milk
EGGS
Sesame Seeds
Crustaceans
Celery
Mustard
Fish & Molluscs
Lupin
Gluten
Sulphites
Soybeans
All catering businesses have a legal requirement to sell safe food. Consequently they are required to have in place a food safety management system based on HACCP principles to assess risks and control food safety hazards (Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004).
In accordance with this regulation is a colour coded chart which is widely used to identify particular food stuffs and therefore minimise the risk of cross contamination.
The use of colour coded utensils are becoming increasingly common within commercial kitchens. Purple equipment is specifically used for the preparation of allergen-free food.
With this in mind Ramon hygiene are excited to announce the launch of the NEW Optima Proclean ‘Allergen’ all-purpose cloth. Specifically designed to clean preparation areas of allergen free food, reducing the potential risk to health.
Our New 737V Allergen cloth is made from 100% Viscose and so consequently is highly absorbent. This cloth will not only improve hygiene standards, but it will also increase awareness as to the importance of allergens when preparing food.
Manufactured in the UK, this large cloth should be considered an essential addition for any commercial kitchen, bakery, food factory or coffee shop.