Issues in food allergy and intolerance, coeliac disease, gut disorders, eczema, 'free from' and all allergies and sensitivities
There were late nights last autumn, when I set about trying to fully decipher upcoming changes to food allergen labelling laws, and what this would mean for consumers with food allergy, food intolerance and — especially — coeliac disease. Should…
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It appears to have escaped the attention of some, but gluten is not permitted to ‘hide’ in food. Gluten has to be declared in ingredients lists — in the form of wheat, barley, rye or oats. The name of the…
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“Supermarket gluten-free food rip-off” said the Sun. “The gluten-free food price shock” said the Mail. The stories were based on research by Channel 4’s Supershoppers, which was screened yesterday at 8.30pm. The claim? That gluten-free shoppers are being diddled by…
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I once flagged up to acquaintances from various corners of the ‘free from’ industry the wrapping from a paleo bar bearing the expression “Free From Gluten”. The legally permitted term, according to legislation (see clause 44), is “Gluten Free”. As you…
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When it comes to food allergies and intolerances, most of the talk is about gluten and the top 14 allergens — mainly milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soya, gluten grains and sesame. Labelling legislation requires manufacturers to emphasise (typically in bold) these…
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Labelling-wise, gluten is not an allergen — as I wrote a month ago — but oats are. Oats are one of the ‘cereals containing gluten’ as defined by the EU. They were included because they are normally contaminated with wheat…
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Last Monday, 16th November, the Independent published an article – CAMRA: UK’s biggest organiser of beer festivals refuses to stock ales from breweries that don’t provide full list of ingredients. The paper billed the move by CAMRA (The Campaign for…
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The British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation, in partnership with Coeliac UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign, have issued a new guidance document to manufacturers and caterers on making ‘free from’ claims. You can read it here. Key…
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The list of 14 allergens can be seen here. Gluten and dairy are not on it. But gluten-containing cereals and milk are. This is not a trivial distinction. Tesco currently have a milk free section and a separate dairy free…
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Most readers will know that tree nuts are one of the key 14 allergens, and that peanuts – a legume, botanically, not a nut – are another of the 14. Accordingly, when either is present in a food product, it…
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