National charity, Allergy UK has launched an accreditation scheme to help foodservice operators cater for food allergies. The Allergy Aware Scheme will recognise catering outlets that provide exceptional service for those with food allergies and intolerances, and those that offer ‘gold standard’ allergen management.
The scheme aims to put peace of mind on the menu for the estimated two million people in the UK suffering from food allergies.
With around 4,800 hospital admissions a year being due to allergic reactions to food, safety for customers is more important than ever before. Worryingly, admissions for anaphylaxis (severe allergy) have increased by 615% in 20 years, so it is no surprise that 92% of those with severe allergies worry about eating out.
The recent EU Food Information Regulations state that all catering outlets must now be able to provide information on which of the top 14 allergens (including egg, nuts and milk) are present in every dish served. The charity hopes caterers will see the legislation as an opportunity.
TheAllergy Aware Scheme
The Allergy Aware Scheme is being launched by the charity’s CEO Carla Jones at the FreeFrom Today FreeFrom Tomorrow Trade Conference at London’s Olympia on Friday 3 July. Jones said: “Severe food allergy is a potentially life-threatening condition. Those with a food allergy know only too well the risk posed when eating out and frequently choose not to.
“The Allergy Aware Scheme aims to help caterers seize the opportunity to deliver a ‘gold standard’ service to a section of the community that, until now, has been very much excluded. We will provide recognition to businesses that don’t only take allergies seriously, but that are going above and beyond legislation, to deliver an exceptional service for the allergic community. ”
The scheme comprises detailed expert food allergy training and audit. All outlets are required to sign an Allergy Aware Scheme Charter to ensure best practice and compliance. Interested businesses can join the scheme initially for a twelve month period, and will be subject to renewal on an annual basis.
Can I Eat There?
Successfully accredited restaurants will receive a premium listing on Can I Eat There?an online restaurant and menu directory for the allergic and coeliac community. Users can search by location, cuisine or allergy rating, then filter the menu by allergen to see what they can eat. Customers can also read and leave reviews. The website highlights restaurants which are part of the Allergy Aware Scheme, guiding them to the most allergy-friendly establishments.
Catering outlets already signed up to the Allergy Aware Scheme include London’s Rainforest Cafe and Nibsy’s Gluten Free Coffee Shop in Reading.
Simon Yandell, Sales & Marketing Manager, Rainforest Cafe said: “We are proud to be the first restaurant in the UK to be part of the Allergy Aware Scheme. Having experienced first-hand the effects of an allergic reaction on our premises many years ago, it is of paramount importance that we give detailed advice and options that our customers can have full confidence in. Not only do we cater for a range of allergies, but our staff are fully trained in allergy awareness. Having reached this level of commitment, we are delighted that Allergy UK has introduced a kite mark for restaurants.”
In addition, Eden Foodservice and Autograph catering are the first foodservice companies to join the scheme.
The Allergy Aware Scheme is designed to be a signpost to give those with allergic conditions confidence when deciding where to eat. Responsible operators that care about allergies and intolerances are invited to participate in the Allergy Aware Scheme by contacting Allergy UK on 01322 619 898 or emailing allergyaware@allergyuk.org.
About Allergy UK
Allergy UK is the operational name of the British Allergy Foundation; the leading national medical charity providing advice, information and support to people with allergies and food intolerance. Allergy UK acts as the ‘voice’ of allergy sufferers, representing the views and needs of those affected by this multi organ disease. Allergy UK is a certified member of The Information Standard, which is an independent certification scheme for health and social care information supported by the Department of Health.
For more information and to see a list of all certified members to the scheme click here