Breaking News Today has found that Allergy UK, the leading UK charity for people living with allergic conditions, has appealed to shoppers to think about people with allergies before buying ‘free from’ foods for themselves or their families.
The move comes as the charity has received reports that shoppers are leaving ‘free from’ food aisles empty as standard products are becoming increasingly unavailable.
Carla Jones, CEO of Allergy UK, says: “Of course we understand how anxious people are in the current circumstances. We are all living through unprecedented times with a high degree of uncertainty, but we are asking people to please consider the needs of a large group of people who do not have the luxury of choice. They need these food products and we are simply asking shoppers to be aware of these needs when they reach for a ‘Free From’ product when mainstream products are temporarily sold out.”
She added: “It is our responsibility to our community to highlight what we see as an unforeseen consequence of the bulk buying that has become such a feature of these times and to create an awareness that might prompt people to think again.”
The charity has revealed that they are contacting the leading UK supermarkets to ensure that people with allergies do not go without, saying: “We will be asking supermarkets to take the needs of people living with food allergy into account in order to avoid potential of our community being further disadvantaged in their ability to buy the food products they need.”
In the open letter, the charity has also voiced their concerns about potential lapses in food labelling and cross-contamination during the coronavirus pandemic, saying:
“We also want to draw your attention to concerns expressed by our allergic communities that the current pressure on supermarkets and food production might cause less stringency in the management of allergens, food labelling and the prevention of cross-contamination. We want to be able to provide reassurance on this point and hope that you will provide that reassurance to us.”
According to the Food Standards Agency, an estimated 2 million people are living with a diagnosed food allergy in the UK, and an estimated 1 in 100 people have coeliac disease.
Zoe Richards, an NHS programme manager, has shared her struggles with finding the gluten-free options that she needs and said: “Anyone buying gluten-free who doesn’t need it, maybe because for them it’s a preference rather than a health need or maybe they just didn’t realise what they are buying, I’d ask them to check locally with friends, colleagues, neighbours if there is anyone in their family who is coeliac and must eat gluten-free and then pass it on.”
Hilary Croft, CEO of Coeliac UK, is also calling on shoppers to think about the impact that their purchasing decisions are having on others, saying:
“We understand that people are anxious to stock up with food at this time in case of the need to self-isolate, but gluten-free foods like gluten-free bread and pasta are staples for those with coeliac disease. These are going to be difficult times for us all.”
Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This leads to damage to the gut and an inability to take in nutrients. Gluten is typically found in pasta, cakes, breakfast cereals, most types of bread, certain sauces, and some ready meals.
Since the coronavirus pandemic arose, the leading supermarkets in the UK have urged shoppers not to bulk buy with Sainsbury’s, Asda and Waitrose all having to introduce rationing procedures to stop people from buying more than three of any item.
In an open letter that was co-signed by all the major supermarkets in the UK, it said: “We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without. There is enough for everyone if we all work together.”
Meanwhile, it is currently Spring Allergy Awareness Week in the UK, and this year Allergy UK is focusing on the impact of the coronavirus for people living with allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever.
The charity has revealed that it is receiving high levels of calls from people with conditions such as asthma and hay fever who are worried about managing and understanding the symptoms of these conditions, some of which are similar to those of COVID-19.
Amena Warner, the charity’s Head of Clinical Services, said: “Living with an allergy can be challenging at the best of times. At this time of coronavirus, people living with allergic conditions feels even more vulnerable and may be anxious about distinguishing their allergy symptoms from those of coronavirus.”
She added: “80% of asthma is triggered by an allergy, and asthma is acknowledged as an underlying condition in this current crisis. For anyone living with asthma and hay fever, these are worrying times, and with the NHS under immense pressure and clinics closed, these people are increasingly turning to us for help and reassurance.”
During Allergy Awareness Week, Allergy UK will devote an area of their website to information and guidance to help and support those living with allergic conditions during the coronavirus pandemic with the charity’s helpline and webchat service both being available for those that need help or advice.
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