Young people across Bath and North East Somerset with food intolerances are being advised to always ask serving staff for allergen information when eating out.
New research conducted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), in partnership with Allergy UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign, reveals many young people are too embarrassed to talk publicly about having a food allergy or intolerance especially when in a social setting with their peers – risking allergic reactions or even more fatal consequences.
Figures show 60 per cent of 16-24-year-olds with food allergies and intolerances have avoided eating out in the past six months because of their condition, and 41 per cent don’t feel very confident in asking staff for allergen information.
To help break down this barrier, Bath & North East Somerset Council is joining the FSA in launching the ‘easy to ASK’ campaign.
‘Easy to ASK’ reminds food establishments to ask customers about their dietary needs, and help put people with food allergies, especially those who are young, at ease.
Councillor Bob Goodman, cabinet member for Development and Neighbourhoods, said: “We’ve seen real progress in how food businesses approach customers with allergies, but it’s clear there is more to be done to encourage young people to speak up and make them feel at ease when dining out.
“We work hard advising business of their responsibilities in displaying their allergen notices and to ensure they are prepared with the relevant allergy information.
“Through the easy to ASK campaign businesses will be encouraged to make it easier for everyone to ask questions, speak up and help keep those at risk stay safe.”
The 14 allergens food businesses must be aware of and be able to provide their customers with information on are: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, cereals containing gluten, eggs, crustaceans, molluscs, fish, soya, sesame, sulphur dioxide/sulphites, celery, mustard and lupin.
Dr Chun-Han Chan, food allergy policy lead at the Food Standards Agency, said: “Working in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Trading Standards, we are dedicated to encouraging conversations between food businesses and their customers.
“Together we want to help young people living with food allergies be confident that the food they are served is safe to consume every time. Our easy to ASK campaign aims to empower customers, whether they live with a food allergy or not, to speak up and help keep those at risk safe.”