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Allergy UK has launched a new accreditation scheme which it says will help hospitality businesses better cater for consumer with 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.
According to the charity, the scheme aims to put “peace of mind on the menu” for the estimated two million people in the UK suffering from food allergies.
The scheme comes after EU Food Information Regulations, introduced last year, 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.
Carla Jones, CEO of the charity, 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. ”
Under the scheme, businesses will be required to sign a charter to ensure best practice and compliance, accreditation will then be subject to training from providers Allergy Aware Kitchen, and a yearly audit.
There is some 4,800 hospital admissions a year due to allergic reactions to food, while admissions for anaphylaxis (severe allergy) have increased by 615% in 20 years, according to Allergy UK.
