Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

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The Anaphylaxis Campaign’s fundraising dinner at St John’s College Cambridge

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On Saturday 8th June, the Anaphylaxis Campaign were delighted to attend a fundraising dinner at St John’s College at Cambridge University, with the purpose of raising funds for our universities campaign. This was organised by Emma Dellar, a nurse at St John’s College, and Jacqui McPeake from Allergen Accreditation. We would like to say a special thank you to both Emma and Jacqui for organising such a wonderful event to help us in our work with universities.

Emma spoke about the event in her interview with St John’s Eagle Eye magazine:

“The aim of this event was to bring together different stakeholders to discuss ways to meet the needs of those at risk of anaphylaxis in university and HE/FE settings. It was a joint initiative by the Cambridge College Nurses, a leading allergen advisor who works with catering providers, and the Anaphylaxis Campaign. On the night there was a drinks reception, a four-course dinner including wine and port, and an opportunity to hear three amazing expert speakers.

It came about because currently schools can purchase and administer Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in an emergency. However, the 2017 legislation does not cover this provision in other educational settings despite the evidence that young adults are the most vulnerable. In an Anaphylaxis Campaign survey, 44% of young people admitted to not carrying their lifesaving AAI devices all the time, and around 20 people a year die from anaphylaxis.

Cambridge Colleges and the University have done a lot of work to support students at risk but there is more to be done and we would like to see a law change so there is national uniformity.”

 

Furthermore, as part of our universities campaign, we have recently produced a booklet to support university students with allergies which includes helpful tips and advice. Click here to download the booklet.

Latest Supply Status of EpiPen® 0.3mg and 0.15mg Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

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Thursday 6th June 2019

Mylan’s manufacturing partner Meridian Medical Technologies, a subsidiary of Pfizer that manufactures EpiPen®, has experienced recent manufacturing challenges which resulted in interruptions in the production of EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs).

To help manage product availability on an ongoing basis until a steady supply resumes, Mylan has assigned a prescription-only process for EpiPen 0.3mg, meaning patients can obtain up to a maximum of two EpiPen 0.3mg AAIs per prescription

The prescription-only process does not affect EpiPen Jr 0.15mg.

Patients should follow the Instructions for Patients detailed below to fulfil their prescriptions and pharmacies should follow the Instructions for Pharmacists outlined below when placing orders.

Instructions and Information for Patients

Patients requiring EpiPen 0.3mg devices should present their prescription to a pharmacy where an order will be placed for up to a maximum of two EpiPen 0.3mg AAIs per prescription.

Patients requiring EpiPen Jr 0.15mg devices can present their prescription to a pharmacy who should be able to fulfil their prescription the same day. However, you should check with your pharmacy to ensure that supply has been received and is available.

Mylan is unable to make any specific treatment recommendation to individual patients. Patients should speak to their healthcare provider for appropriate actions to be taken. However, if you have a question about your EpiPen device please contact our Medical Information team who will be able to help you: +(0) 1707 853 000 (option 1) or email: [email protected]

Information for Prescribers

Please note, when validating the expiry date of an adrenaline auto-injector, the product expires on the last day of the month indicated. For example, if it expires in June, it remains valid (not expired) until June 30.

Instructions for Pharmacists

Pharmacies that are presented with a prescription for EpiPen 0.3mg Auto-Injectors can place an order for up to a maximum of two devices per prescription. Please send anonymized prescriptions to Alliance Healthcare’s prescription validation service, either by fax (0330 332 8126) or email ([email protected]). Please include your Alliance Healthcare account number when placing your order.

Orders from schools should be sent to Alliance Healthcare’s prescription validation service on the fax number or email address above.  Please note that the purchase of EpiPen 0.3mg is currently limited to two devices per order.

Instructions for Schools

To support children and young adults who may be at risk of anaphylaxis whilst away from home, the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 allows schools, without the need for a prescription, to purchase and hold supply of adrenaline auto-injectors. Regulations allow the purchase of a reasonable number of adrenaline auto-injectors for use on an occasional basis and as required.

Schools requiring a supply of adrenaline auto-injectors to be used in emergency situations are now able to order EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg through Mylan’s distributor, Alliance Healthcare.

To place your order, please provide your local pharmacy with a letter, written on your school’s headed paper and signed by the principal or headteacher. The pharmacy will then send the request to Mylan’s distribution partner, Alliance Healthcare.

Please be reminded that the purchase of EpiPen 0.3mg is currently limited to two devices per order.

Contact Information

Telephone: +44 (0)1707 853 000

Medical Information e-mail: [email protected]

 

 

If you have any questions, you can contact our helpline and information team at [email protected] or call 01252 542029 for support between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Statement regarding inquest into the death of Habiba Chisthi

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Monday 20th May 2019

We were very saddened to learn of the death of 9-year-old Habiba Chisthi who tragically died on Monday 18th February from anaphylactic shock, two days after suffering a severe allergic reaction.

Habiba was known to have allergies to eggs and nuts and suffered from asthma for which she was prescribed an inhaler. She went into an anaphylactic shock whilst on holiday in Spain, after eating an ice cream with sauce on which contained her known allergen.

Assistant coroner Peter Merchant said: “Clearly, further enquiries will have to be made into the circumstances of her death.”

He adjourned the hearing until a date to be fixed.

Lynne Regent, Chief Executive of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, said:

“What should have been a happy occasion turned into a tragedy and our heartfelt condolences go out to Habiba’s family. Travelling abroad brings additional challenges for those affected by severe allergies and their families and it is important that these are recognised and acknowledged”

We have information and advice about travelling aboard when you or someone you care for have allergies on our website here.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our helpline team at [email protected] or call 01252 542029.

For further information, please contact our press office via [email protected] or call 01252 893864.

Anaphylaxis Campaign’s statement regarding inquest into the death of Karanbir Cheema

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Friday 10th May 2019

The coroner has ended the inquest on Karanbir Cheema and has delivered her narrative and recommendations.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Karanbir Cheema who passed away following a tragic incident which occurred at William Perkin Church of England High School in Greenford, West London on the 28th June 2017.  Karanbir was known to have severe eczema, bronchial asthma for which he was prescribed an inhaler, and was allergic to milk, peanuts, eggs, gluten and wheat.

Following the outcome from the inquest, the coroner has made a significant number of recommendations as a result of this case. These recommendations affect a number of bodies including the London Ambulance Service, the Hospital Trust and the William Perkin Church of England High School. This is a difficult occasion for the family of Karanbir Cheema, but we understand that the recommendations taken forward will bring about a positive result for those affected by severe allergies.

Lynne Regent, Chief Executive of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, said:

“We were deeply saddened to hear about the death of Karanbir Cheema as a result of this tragic incident. We have actively been supporting his family over this difficult time and have been by their side throughout inquest into his death. The coroner has called for a number of positive actions that we believe will positively benefit the allergic community.’

 We wish to make it clear that the Anaphylaxis Campaign are not legal experts; the primary reasons we attend inquests are to offer support to families, and to identify if there are specific lessons that can be learned to take forward into the work we do to support people at risk of severe allergic reactions.

 

 

Anaphylaxis Campaign’s resources to help schools be allergy aware

As part of our Making Schools Safer Project, we have been in contact with over 26,000 schools in the UK to give them access to our free resources including;

  • Our online e-learning course AllergyWise for Schools which is designed to ensure that all staff:
  • Understand how to safeguard children with allergies.
  • Are fully aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
  • Know how to provide emergency treatment.
  • Our KS1-2 Schools allergy awareness resource pack which is designed to facilitate an allergy awareness session for infant and primary school age children.
  • Our KS3-5 Schools allergy awareness resource pack which is designed to facilitate an allergy awareness presentation for secondary school age children.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign believes it is vital for all schools to not only have training for all staff but to also raise pupil’s awareness of the seriousness of living with a food allergy. We hope our resources will support this and help schools become more allergy aware.

All our schools’ resources are available to view and download on our website:

AllergyWise for Schools

KS1-2 resource pack

KS3-5 resource pack

About the Anaphylaxis Campaign

The Anaphylaxis Campaign is the only UK wide charity solely focused on supporting people at risk of severe allergic reactions. We empower people living with severe allergies to be more confidently in control of their lives.

We provide information and support to people living with severe allergies, their families and carers, through our national helpline, volunteer-led local support groups and free online AllergyWise training courses. We also campaign and fundraise to achieve our ultimate aim, to create a safer environment for all people at risk of severe allergies.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our helpline team at [email protected] or call 01252 542029.

For further information, please contact our press office via [email protected] or call 01252 893864.

Peanut immunotherapy paper causes stir in the allergic world

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Thursday 9th May 2019

Immunotherapy works by slowing introducing small amounts of the problem allergen to the patient in two phases known as ‘initial’ or ‘up dosing’ and the ‘maintenance’ phase, with the aim of reducing allergic reactions following accidental exposure.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign welcomes the research paper by Chu et al which contributes to the science of food oral immunotherapy. This paper has claimed, through a systematic review of 12 randomised controlled trials, that undergoing peanut oral immunotherapy results in an increased chance of allergic reactions when compared to just avoiding peanuts.

We understand that this paper only provides a part of the immunotherapy story, with many of the trials included focussing mainly on the up-dosing stage of immunotherapy where patients are given an increasing dose of peanut over a long period of time. This is when most reactions occur, but are rare during the maintenance phase where peanut dose plateaus.

We would like to also make it clear that, when undergoing immunotherapy, there is a trade-off between the treatment of related side effects of the immunotherapy at home in a controlled environment with emergency medication available over accidental exposure outside the home.

Peanut allergy affects 1 in 50 children, with its prevalence increasing. Peanut immunotherapy can provide protection against reaction to a peanut eaten without warning or control.

Food Standards Agency & Food Standards Scotland recommend full ingredient and allergen labelling for products pre-packed for direct sale

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Wednesday 8th May 2019

Today the Food Standards Agency held an Extraordinary Board Meeting on food allergies. They considered the analysis of responses to the Allergen Labelling Review on Pre-Packed for Direct Sale food, which 1,675 individuals, 126 businesses, 83 public sector bodies and 24 non-governmental organisations responded to.

The FSA Board decided to recommend to ministers the adoption of full ingredient list labelling, with allergens emphasised on products pre-packed for direct sale.

FSA chair Heather Hancock said the FSA had chosen the strictest of the options they had under discussion because “ultimately this is a life-threatening issue for a proportion of the population, we are balancing consumer protection, public health protection, with the ability of people being able to deliver good business service and choice for people with an allergy or intolerance’’.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ( DEFRA) will have the final say over whether new rules are introduced but if ministers choose to proceed with the recommendation, food businesses that prepare and pack food for direct sale must provide the full list of ingredients and highlight the presence of the 14 allergens on such products.

The review of allergen labelling follows from the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died after eating a baguette from Pret a Manger at Heathrow airport in July 2016. The coroner who presided over the inquest of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse concluded that the current legislation is not adequate and requested a review. The Anaphylaxis Campaign welcomed this review and is delighted that after consultation with allergic consumers and food businesses, the FSA has made this recommendation.

Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, was in attendance to hear the wide-ranging debate that took place by the board members who carefully considered the challenges and opportunities this position may lead to.

“We welcome the recommendation from the FSA and hope this decision raise awareness of the importance of good allergen management within the food industry,” says Lynne Regent.

For more infomation, click here to visit the FSA website.

 

UPDATE: Food Standards Scotland – Wednesday 15th May 2019

At a public meeting today, the FSS Board reviewed and assessed responses to the consultation, and discussed consumer benefits as well as the risks associated with four options as set out in the consultation. It concluded that FSS should recommend moving towards full ingredient labelling of foods that are pre-packed for direct sale in Scotland, and that further work should be undertaken to assess the benefits and all of the risks in more detail.

 

What is the current legislation for a food business that makes and sells food on the same site?

At present when a food business sells prepacked food for direct sale the same regulations apply as to non-prepacked food under the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation No. 1169/2011 commonly known as EU FIR 2014. This means food businesses preparing their products freshly on their premises are exempted from the obligation of labelling them with a list of ingredients including the provision of allergen information. This is because it is expected that the customer is able to speak with the person who made or packed the product to ask about ingredients. All mandatory allergen ingredients information (the 14) should be available and easily accessible for the consumer and this can be communicated through a variety of means to suit the business format of the food business operator.

 

If you have any questions, you can contact our helpline and information team at [email protected] or call 01252 542029 for support between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

FSA Extraordinary Board Meeting – Food allergies and intolerances

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Friday 3rd May 2019

The Food Standards Agency has today released the agenda and paper on food allergies and intolerances for their Board’s Extraordinary meeting on 8 May 2019.

The paper; Food Hypersensitivity and The Government’s Allergen Labelling Review asks the board to Review and endorse the programme of work delivered and planned by the FSA to protect food hypersensitive consumers. Provide strategic direction on the priorities for the FSA in protecting food hypersensitive consumers and indicate areas of particular importance to the Board. Consider the analysis of responses to the Allergen Labelling Review on Pre-Packed for Direct Sale food and to determine the Board’s advice to Ministers about acting on the outcome of the Review.

From the papers we learn that 1,675 individuals, 126 business, 83 public sector bodies and 24 non-governmental organisations responded to the consulation on allergen information on products pre-packed for direct sale.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign welcomes the timely response from the FSA and hopes that a positive outcome will emerge for allergic consumers who we believe must be able to make informed decisions and to assess risk and self-manage their condition when eating out.

Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign will be attending the board meeting next week and we will keep our members updated on the outcome.

You can access the papers here – https://www.food.gov.uk/about-us/fsa-board-meeting-may-2019

Update 8th May 2019 – Food Standards Agency recommends full ingredient and allergen labelling for products pre-packed for direct sale

BBC Breakfast: Lynne Regent talks about the food labelling consultation which closes on the 29th March 2019

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26th March 2019

Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, spoke to BBC Breakfast about the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs consultation on the proposed amendments to the domestic Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR) (England) and parallel FIR regulations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Lynne spoke about the options available and the changes we would like to see made.

Click here to listen to Lynne (skip to 2hrs 13mins – available until 9:15am 27/03/2019)

This review of allergen labelling legislation follows the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died after eating a baguette from Pret a Manger at Heathrow airport in July 2016. The coroner who presided over the inquest of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse concluded that the current legislation is not adequate and requested a review. The Anaphylaxis Campaign would like to say how fantastic Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse have been in raising the issues around food safety for all individuals with food allergy at this very difficult time for them personally.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign believes that food allergic individuals must be able to make informed decisions and to assess risk and self-manage their condition when eating out. We welcome the government’s consultation as a way of understanding the views of all stakeholders and arriving at the best approach for all stakeholders and, in particular, those who suffer with food allergies.

We hope all food business that sell food pre-packed for direct sale engage with this consultation to ensure that feasibility across all business sizes is taken into consideration. We also hope food allergic individuals actively take part in this consultation and share their views on how they want this incredibly important information shared with them.

What is the current legislation for a food business that makes and sells food on the same site?

At present when a food business sells prepacked food for direct sale the same regulations apply as to non-prepacked food under the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation No. 1169/2011 commonly known as EU FIR 2014. This means food business preparing their products freshly on their premises are exempted from the obligation of labelling them with a list of ingredients including the provision of allergen information. This is because it is expected that the customer is able to speak with the person who made or packed the product to ask about ingredients. All mandatory allergen ingredients information (the 14) should be available and easily accessible for the consumer and this can be communicated through a variety of means to suit the business format of the food business operator.

What are the proposed options put forward in this consultation?

Policy option 1 – Promote best practice

Policy option 2 – Mandate “ask the staff” labels on packaging of food prepacked for direct sale, with supporting information for consumers in writing

Policy option 3 – Mandate name of the food and allergen labelling on packaging of food prepacked for direct sale

Policy option 4 – Mandate name of the food and full ingredient list labelling, with allergens emphasised, on packaging of food prepacked for direct sale

How to respond to the consultation

Please, first view and consider the consultation document, which explains the current legislation, the scope of the consultation and explains in detail the four different policy options. The document can be accessed here

Then provide your responses to the questions via an online survey, which can be accessed here

If you cannot respond online, you can request a copy of the survey and a response form by e-mailing [email protected]. Queries and completed surveys can also be sent here.

Please respond by 29 March 2019

You can find out more information about this consultation on the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs website here and can view the impact assessments here.

If you have any enquires, please contact our helpline on: 01252 542029 or [email protected]

Statement regarding the death of Lee Darker

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The Anaphylaxis Campaign is saddened to learn of the death of Lee Darker, a 48-year-old pest controller who was stung by a wasp during a routine call out on the 17th September 2017.

An inquest into his death held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire heard that he died after experiencing a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis after being stung by a wasp. It was noted at the inquest, that Lee had no known allergies and had previously been stung two weeks earlier 8 times but did not suffer any reaction.

The Senior coroner for the western area of North Yorkshire, Robert Turnbull recorded a conclusion of misadventure. He told the hearing: “It’s a tragic outcome. He died as a result of anaphylactic shock. He was going about his business and died not anticipating this would happen.”

Chief Executive of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, Lynne Regent, said:

“We are very saddened to learn about the death of Mr Darker as a result of this tragic accident and our thoughts are with his family and friends as they process the findings from the inquest into his death.

For a small minority of people, an allergy to the venom in a bee or wasp sting can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. If you experience a severe reaction to a bee or wasp sting, it’s important that you are taken to A&E and afterwards visit your GP as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.”

You may not have an allergic reaction the first time you are stung by a wasp or bee but there is a small risk that subsequent stings could lead to a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. In the UK, venom anaphylaxis is the second most frequent cause of anaphylaxis outside medical settings and more people are allergic to wasps than bees.

If you are at risk of insect venom anaphylaxis and would like more information and support, please call our national helpline on 01252 542029 or contact [email protected].

 

The Anaphylaxis Campaign partners with the Bee Resistant campaign to raise awareness about insect venom anaphylaxis. The campaign provides information on the symptoms to look out for and the range of avoidance and treatment options available to help reduce the risk:

‘Bee aware’ of the symptoms:

  • Feeling unwell and dizzy
  • Rapidly spreading rash
  • Wheezing and a tight chest
  • Swelling of the airways and throat
  • Weakness (caused by a drop-in blood pressure)
  • Physical collapse

‘Bee resistant’ by taking steps to reduce the risk:

  • Prevention – follow avoidance advice and tips.
  • Treatment – there are a range of treatment options available on the NHS to treat anaphylaxis which include carrying adrenaline auto-injectors and specialist treatments available from hospital-based allergy clinics.

‘Bee in the know’ – find out more:

  • In the event of a serious allergic reaction, call 999 immediately and state “anaphylaxis”.
  • Consult your GP for further information and guidance.

To find out more about the Bee Resistant campaign visit https://beeresistant.com or follow us on Twitter @BeeResistant or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BeeResistant.

Milk Alert – Graze Sea Salt & Vinegar Veg Crunchers

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Name: Graze Sea Salt & Vinegar Veg Crunchers

Pack size: 26g
Batch code: 426938, 426559, 427156
Best before: 20 June 2019, 28 June 2019 & 02 July 2019

 

We have been alerted by the Food Standards Agency that Graze is recalling its Salt & Vinegar Veg Crunchers from sale because it has been incorrectly labelled as suitable for vegans, however, the product contains milk which is not correctly declared on the ingredients label.

The product is therefore unsuitable for and should be avoided by anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk.

If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk do not eat it. For a replacement product, please send a photo of the batch code on
the packaging to: [email protected] or graze, Palm Court, 4 Heron Square, Richmond, TW9 1EW

No other products or date codes of these products are affected by this issue.