Opening Address
Simon Williams, the Chief Executive of Anaphylaxis UK, initiated the symposium by underscoring the significance of the gathering, setting the stage for a series of impactful discussions.

Keynote Session: Understanding the Magnitude of Allergies
Allergies are more than a health issue; they’re a life-altering challenge for many. Recognising their widespread impact is crucial. This session, chaired by Simon Williams, featured esteemed speakers Dr Paul Turner from Imperial College London, Dr Chrissie Jones from the University of Surrey, and Dr Helen Evans-Howells, a GP specialising in allergy.

Living with a Serious Allergy: Insights and Stories
A heart-touching segment, led by Dr Helen Evans-Howells, delved into the everyday realities of those battling severe allergies. Contributions from Frederic Girard of DBV Technologies, Tee Houghton from Allergies in Bold, and Clare Bristow, the CEO of the Sadie Bristow Foundation, enriched the discussion.

Food Service and Allergen Management
A critical look at the food industry’s role in allergen safety, focusing on supply chain and management challenges. Industry leaders, including Peter Littleton of Christeyns and Anita Kinsey from Pret A Manger, shared their experiences and innovative approaches.

Assess, Validate, Verify: A Deep Dive into Allergen Safety
This session, chaired by Peter Littleton, emphasised the significance of thorough risk assessment and allergen management. Experts like Barbara Hirst from RSSL and Alex Turtle from the Food and Drink Federation contributed their insights.

The Science of Seeing: Understanding Human Visual Cognition
A fascinating exploration of how we perceive safety labels, led by Professor Simon Paul Liversedge and Dr Jan Mei Soon-Sinclair. This discussion offered invaluable lessons for businesses in product labelling.

Taking the Long View: A Comprehensive Perspective
Dr Hazel Gowland of Allergy Action shared her extensive experience, highlighting significant achievements and ongoing challenges in the realm of allergies and the evolution from The Anaphylaxis Campaign beginnings nearly 30 years ago.

Panel Discussion: Enforcing Effective Allergen Control
A crucial dialogue on allergen control enforcement, featuring Natasha Smith from the Food Standards Agency and Dr Hazel Gowland.