Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

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Statement from Bausch + Lomb in the UK – Supply Status of Emerade Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

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30th July 2019

Statement from Bausch + Lomb in the UK – Supply Status of Emerade Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

Bausch + Lomb is committed to helping ensure that patients have access to the medicines they need, and we are working diligently to help supply the market with this critical medicine. Over the last year we have seen a large increase in demand for our products due to supply issues with EpiPen and we have worked very closely with our manufacturing partners to substantially increase production across our range of Emerade 150mcg, 300mcg and 500mcg Adrenaline Auto-Injectors(AAIs) to help support patients.

Please note a Caution in Use Notification was issued by the MHRA on the 11th of July regarding Emerade.

All stock manufactured after the 30th of June 2019 will have the corrective actions referred to in the notification implemented.

Emerade 500mcg (Adrenaline Tartrate)

We are currently experiencing some delays in the next supply of Emerade 500mcg (Adrenaline tartrate) which will not be available until the 28th of August in UK wholesalers. This is caused by manufacturing issues experienced by our Swedish manufacturing partner, relating to its production line, which has led to a temporary decrease in output.

Emerade 300mcg (Adrenaline Tartrate)

A limited supply of Emerade 300mcg (Adrenaline Tartrate) has been distributed to wholesalers and we are working with our supply chain to ensure that this is optimized to be available to patients with a valid Emerade 300mcg prescription. The next shipment will be available in September.

Emerade 150mcg (Adrenaline Tartrate)

There is good supply of Emerade 150mcg (primarily a paediatric dose) which should be available in pharmacy and wholesale.
Bausch + Lomb advise that patients should seek advice from your Health Care Practitioner on suitable alternatives should your current AAI be unavailable.

For medical information enquiries please contact Lizanne Kombrink (Pharmacovigilance and Medical Information Officer), Tel: 0208 781 5523, Email: [email protected]

 

The Anaphylaxis Campaign would like to reinforce the following advice;

  • If you are prescribed an alternative AAI device, ensure that you know how to use it and train others that may need to use it in an emergency.
  • Always carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times.
  • Ensure you have registered the expiry date of your devices on the relevant manufacturers websites to give you ample warning when a new prescription is required.
  • Ensure you gain a replacement device prior to disposing of any out of date devices.
  • Always make sure you have a trainer device which can be ordered from the manufacturer’s websites for free:
  • Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with the device you have and how to use it.
  • In an emergency call 999, ask for an ambulance and say anaphylaxis (pronounced as ‘anna -fill-axis’).

You can contact our helpline and information team at [email protected] or call 01252 542 029 for support between Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

 

 

22-year-old student from the UK shares her dangerous experiences while eating out in Argentina

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I am a 22-year-old student from the UK, sending you an update from my year abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am a peanut allergy sufferer and wanted to share a couple of dangerous experiences I’ve had here, to warn you about things that you might not have considered when travelling with allergies.

I would say that I am quite proficient in Spanish; I lived in Madrid for a bit and I feel comfortable asking in restaurants whether dishes contain “cacahuetes”, “nueces” or “frutos secos” (to cover all bases). However, I didn’t know that in Argentina, the common word for peanuts is “maní”. So, on my second day in the country, I picked up a pot of hummus from the supermarket, not realising that it contained peanuts, and had my first ever oral reaction to peanuts in the 15 years that I’ve known about my allergy. I am usually extremely careful about checking ingredients, but on this odd occasion I didn’t bother because I never would have expected to find peanuts in hummus! It’s not something that you’d find in the UK. When my mouth started feeling strange, I went to check the ingredients of the hummus – just in case – and the only ingredient I didn’t recognise was “pasta de maní”. I looked it up and it meant “peanut paste”. I was shocked. I was also freaking out because I was alone in a foreign country and didn’t know whether I was ill enough to use an EpiPen. Luckily, the reaction calmed down after a couple of hours and my body rejected the peanuts by vomiting. Whether you want to blame me for my reaction or not, the two things I learned from this experience are 1) to ask for the local names of your allergens even if you think you know the language, eg. Spanish used in Spain is different to Spanish in Argentina and 2) don’t assume that the products you can buy in the UK will be exactly the same as the ones abroad – you may be surprised to find your allergen in something you never would have expected.

There’s a local café that I frequent in Buenos Aires, and I always ask whether the dishes contain nuts. The first time I had pesto pasta there, I asked, they said no, and I was fine. The second time I had the pesto pasta, I didn’t ask, because I assumed that it would contain the same ingredients. I immediately started feeling ill, and, knowing how I reacted to the hummus a few weeks earlier, I was certain that the pesto must have contained peanuts. I asked the waitress about what I’d just eaten, and she assured me that the dish didn’t contain peanuts. Still not convinced by this, I asked to speak to the chef, and he told me that sometimes, when they run out of certain ingredients, they replace them with peanuts. On this occasion, he had replaced pine nuts with peanuts, and that is why I had the reaction. Again, you can blame me for not checking when I ordered, but the staff didn’t even know that the chef had changed the ingredients so I still would have had the reaction! Therefore, I want to warn you to be extra careful if you come to Argentina, as restaurants don’t have allergy lists like they do in the UK. I don’t know if it’s common to replace ingredients with peanuts in other countries as well, but be aware that this could happen to you, too. Don’t assume that ingredients always stay the same. If you’re worried about a dish, double-check with the staff in the restaurant, and if you’re still not convinced, ask to speak to the chef to clarify BEFORE you order a dish.

Having said that, the most recent reaction I had in a café came about even after I had double checked with the staff about the ingredients. I ordered a milkshake that came with wafers on top as decoration. The wafers, as I later found out, were not filled with dulce de leche but with peanut butter! When I asked the staff to confirm the ingredients whilst I was reacting (in case I was reacting to a nut I didn’t previously know I was allergic to), they realised that they did not, in fact, know what was in the milkshake and couldn’t confirm the ingredients. They were absolutely hopeless in the café and didn’t offer any help despite it potentially being a medical emergency. I returned a week later (it took me all that time to recover from the reaction) to speak to the manager. I asked to see the packaging for the wafers and other decorations on the milkshake I’d ordered, and the wafers clearly said that they had a peanut butter filling. I was shocked. I explained how dangerous it was and the importance of the staff knowing all the ingredients so that it never happens again. I wrote in their book of complaints and they promised to contact me to “resolve” the situation, which they didn’t. I was barely offered an apology. This just goes to show how careless people can be and how the standards can differ from country to country. The staff were completely ignorant and lied to me about the ingredients – they didn’t seem to care about the repercussions or show any empathy. Now I don’t feel that I can place my trust in restaurant staff wherever I go.

I honestly feel so blessed to have survived these 3 oral reactions, considering I was previously told I was anaphylactic. Others of you might have even more extreme reactions, so let my experiences be a warning to you all to be more careful when checking ingredients abroad, and to carry your medication with you everywhere.

 

Visit our travel section for information

Emerade Device Alert

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Thursday 11th July 2019

Class 4 Medicines Defect Information: Emerade 150, 300 and 500 microgram solution for injection in pre-filled syringe (MDR 55-06/18). Pharmaswiss Ceska republika s.r.o. (an affiliate of Bausch & Lomb UK Limited) has informed us of a risk of Emerade product failing to deliver a dose of adrenaline from the syringe due to blockage of the needle.

The information below has been provided by the MHRA. Click here to visit the www.gov.uk website article.

Click here to watch the video – ‘How to tell your Emerade pen has fired’

Brief description of the problem

Bausch & Lomb UK limited has informed us of a risk of Emerade product failing to deliver a dose of adrenaline from the syringe due to blockage of the needle.

This issue was first detected in June 2018 during routine stability testing of the syringe component of Emerade, with potential to affect 1.5 in every ten thousand pens, and therefore considered a rare event. However, recent information indicates that the potential occurrence of needle blockage in batches on the market is higher than first estimated and we are therefore bringing it to the attention of patients.

The potential for units on the market to have a blockage of the needle which could lead to Emerade failing to deliver a dose when activated is now estimated to be 0.23 %, which would affect 2.3 in every thousand pens. (This estimate is based on simulated laboratory conditions without the auto-injector component which may lower the potential rate of failure to deliver.)

However, if the patient follows the existing advice to carry two in-date pens with them at all times, the risk of not being able to deliver a dose of adrenaline before the emergency services arrive is substantially reduced (from 0.23% to 0.000529%).

It should be emphasised that two pens are already recommended to be carried at all times in case the patient does not improve after the first injection which may occur for a number of reasons.

This notification of potential for needle blockage applies to Emerade devices of all strengths. It does not apply to the other marketed brands of adrenaline auto-injectors.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is not recalling batches of Emerade.

In the UK there are two alternative adrenaline auto-injector devices available. However, the different brands of adrenaline auto-injectors are not used in exactly the same way and therefore specific training and advice is required for each of the devices.

Furthermore, there are insufficient supplies available of alternative brands to support the removal of one brand.

The manufacturer conducted extensive investigations and has implemented corrective actions. Emerade manufactured with all the corrective processes is expected to be introduced into the market from mid-July 2019.

Updated Thursday 17th July 2019

How do I know if I have a faulty pen?

Click here to watch the video – ‘How to tell your Emerade pen has fired’

All Emerade pens currently on the market have a low risk of being defective but there is no way for the patient to tell by looking at an unused device that it is faulty. Users may be able to check if a dose of adrenaline has been delivered as expected by noting the following:

  • Before use, you can see the solution as clear and colourless in the viewing window of the pen by lifting the label.
  • If you need to use a pen and it works properly, you will see the plunger rod visible in the whole of the viewing window for the Emerade 300 mcg and 500 mcg autoinjector. The viewing window for the 150 mcg autoinjector will appear yellow from the plunger rod and spacer component of the autoinjector.
  • The plunger rod is of different colour for each strength of the Emerade autoinjector: blue for Emerade 500 mcg; green for Emerade 300 mcg and yellow for Emerade 150 mcg.
  • If it fails to activate properly, you may not see the plunger rod or the plunger rod may not ‘fill’ the whole of the viewing window as it would do normally. You may also see a yellow spacer, which is a component of the autoinjector, in the viewing window for Emerade with needle blockage. Please note however that you may still hear an audible click even it has not worked correctly.
  • It might be difficult to differentiate the viewing window for the 150 mcg Emerade pen between a successful activation (a pen without needle blockage) and unsuccessful activation (a pen with needle blockage). Therefore in all cases it is important that if you stlll feel unwell after your first injection you should administer your second pen without delay (5-15 minutes according to the patient leaflet). You should make sure you carry two devices at all times.

Pens are currently being manufactured with full corrective actions. The company has advised that Emerade manufactured with all the corrective processes will be introduced into the market from mid-July 2019. For enquiries regarding stock, please contact Bausch & Lomb Customer Services, Tel: 0208 781 2991 Email: [email protected]

Action for healthcare professionals and patients

Healthcare Professionals should contact all patients, and their carers, who have been supplied with an Emerade device to inform them of the potential defect and reinforce the advice to always carry two in-date adrenaline auto-injectors with them at all times.

This advice is provided in the approved patient information leaflet for Emerade, which should be provided to the patient or caregiver at dispensing.

Patients experiencing any problem with Emerade failing to activate should report this via the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme and keep the pen for further examination.

Additional advice to patients

Additional advice to reiterate to patients is to:

  • Check expiry date and replace the pen before it expires
  • Use the autoinjector at first signs of anaphylaxis
  • Call 999, ask for an ambulance and say anaphylaxis (pronounced as ‘anna -fill-axis’)
  • Lie flat if possible with your legs up to keep your blood flowing
  • Use second pen if still unwell after 5-15 minutes

There is also a fact sheet with advice on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors which patients or carers are encouraged to read.

The risk of device mishandling or device failure exists with all adrenaline auto-injectors and is something that patients and carers should be aware of.

The chance of a successful outcome is increased if there is prompt administration of adrenaline at the first signs of anaphylaxis.

Even with an apparently successful response to adrenaline auto-injector administration, patients may relapse some hours later which underlines the importance that the emergency services should always be called.

Contact details for further information

For stock enquiries please contact Bausch & Lomb Customer Services:

Tel: 0208 781 2991 Email: [email protected]

For medical information enquiries please contact Lizanne Kombrink, Pharmacovigilance and Medical Information Officer:

Tel: 0208 781 5523 Email: [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.

Anaphylaxis Campaign Welcomes ‘Natasha’s Law’

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Friday 5th July 2019

In January 2019, the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) opened a consultation on the proposed amendments to the domestic Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR) (England) and parallel FIR regulations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales relating to allergen information for foods that are prepacked for direct sale to the consumer on the same premises from which they are sold.

The review of allergen labelling legislation followed 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 legislation was not adequate and requested a review.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign would like to say how fantastic Natasha’s parents, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, have been in raising the issues around food safety for all people with food allergy at this very difficult time for them.

A total of 1,675 individuals, 126 businesses, 83 public sector bodies and 24 non-governmental organisations responded to the consultation. In May 2019 the Food Standards Agency (FSA) held an Extraordinary Board Meeting on food allergies and recommended to Ministers the adoption of full ingredient list labelling, with allergens emphasised on products pre-packed for direct sale.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign was pleased to see such great engagement from our individual and corporate members, and would like to thank all who responded to this consultation and actively engaged in discussion at workshops held by DEFRA.

On 25th June DEFRA announced that the Government plans to introduce the new legislation this summer. This will mandate full ingredients labelling for foods that are prepacked for direct sale. It is proposed that the new laws will come into force in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by summer 2021, giving food businesses time to adapt to the change. The Scottish Government also intends to take forward full ingredient labelling for foods prepacked for direct sale and aim to implement the new laws by autumn 2021.

The new legislation, known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, covers foods that are prepared and packed on the same premises from which they are sold – such as a packaged sandwich or salad made by staff earlier in the day and placed on a shelf for purchase. The reform will require these products to carry a full list of ingredients with the 14 allergens emphasised (for example in bold font or underlined). Currently, these foods are not required to carry labels, and if asked by a consumer allergen information must be given in person by the food business.

What are the different types of food products and how should information be provided?

Pre-packed foods

Pre-packed food is any food that’s put into packaging before being placed on sale. Most of the food you see on the supermarket shelves or in your local grocery store comes under this category. Pre-packed food must have an ingredients list and any of the 14 key allergens must be included in that list and emphasised – for example, in bold, italic or coloured type.

There are no changes to the labelling for these types of products.

Pre-packed foods for direct sale

This applies to foods that have been packed on the same premises from which they are being sold. The changes only apply to this type of food. Once the changes are in place food businesses will need to ensure that these types of products carry an ingredients list and any of the 14 key allergens must be included in that list and emphasised.

Non-prepacked foods and foods sold loose

Non-prepacked food and food sold loose are typically available from restaurants, takeaways, bakeries and institutional caterers. It also includes foods packed at the customer’s request such as a sandwich from a sandwich shop where the food business makes the sandwich as per your request at the time.

It will remain that the food business will need to provide information about the use of the 14 allergenic ingredients in a food but will not be required to provide a full ingredients list. This information can be written down on a chalk board or chart or provided orally by a member of staff. Where the specific allergen information is not provided upfront, clear signposting to where this information could be obtained must be provided.

There are no changes to the labelling for these types of products.

What does this mean for people with food allergies when the changes are implemented?

For foods that have been made and packed on the same premises from which they are being sold you will be able to check the ingredients label to identify if the food products contain your allergen as an intended ingredient.

What does this mean for food business when the changes are implemented?

If your business prepares and packages food products on the same site that it sells them from, you will need to include a full ingredients label on each of the products.

For food businesses which provide non-prepacked food, such as retailers, restaurants, takeaways, bakeries and institutional caterers and not pre-packed for direct sale products there will be no changes. You will continue to need to provide information about the use of the 14 allergenic ingredients in a food but will not be required to provide a full ingredients list. This information could be written down on a chalk board or chart or provided orally by a member of staff. Where the specific allergen information is not provided upfront, clear signposting to where this information could be obtained must be provided.

Will guidance be issued for business?

Yes, the Government announced that the Foods Standard’s Agency (FSA) guidance will be published alongside the legislation to support businesses and local authorities, with more detailed guidance set to be published by the end of the year.

It was also announced that the FSA will be working with businesses to help them put the necessary checks and controls in place to validate and verify allergen information on packaging. They will create an industry community for food businesses to accelerate sharing of best practice; and improve allergen knowledge and awareness for businesses so that they are aware of their responsibilities. The Safer Food Better Business pack will be revised to incorporate management of allergens in small businesses.

The FSA will also work with businesses and representative organisations during the implementation period to support sharing of allergen initiatives and best practices.

Will this change be UK wide?

It is proposed that the new laws will come into force in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by summer 2021, giving food businesses time to adapt to the change. However, while the Government has announced plans to introduce the law for England and Northern Ireland, Ministers in Wales are currently reviewing consultation responses and advice from the FSA, and intend to make a decision shortly and the Scottish Government intends to take forward full ingredient labelling for all PPDS foods, and aims to implement changes by autumn 2021.

 

For more information see our guide to eating out

If you are a member of the food industry and would like more information please see our guide to protecting allergic consumers

The FSA Board Responds to the Anaphylaxis Campaign’s Comments Regarding Local Authorities

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Thursday 4th July 2019

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board decided in May 2019 to recommend to ministers the adoption of full ingredient list labelling, with allergens emphasised on products pre-packed for direct sale.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign submitted the following comment to the FSA Board meeting on 19th June;

‘The Anaphylaxis Campaign welcomes the board’s decision to recommend to minsters full ingredient labelling on food prepacked for direct sale, with the 14 FIR allergens highlighted. However, we would like to call for greater resources to made available to local authorities responsible for enforcement. Without strong enforcement there is a risk that this positive change in the regulation could led to weak compliance and a greater risk to food allergic individuals.’

The FSA board have responded positively to our comment;

‘We are aware that local authorities are under increasing financial pressure and are making difficult decisions about the prioritisation of resources. As part of our programme of work on allergens, we will be engaging with local authority colleagues to ensure that a robust system of official controls can be delivered effectively and to ensure that they have the necessary guidance and support to achieve this as efficiently as possible.’

You can watch the full board meeting on the FSA website here – https://www.food.gov.uk/other/fsa-board-meeting-june-2019

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.

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.