Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

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Statement Regarding the Death of Ian Flack

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The Anaphylaxis Campaign is saddened to learn of the death of Ian Flack, a 76-year-old who was stung by wasps, while gardening in Llanbedr DC on the 24th October 2018.

An inquest held into his death by Assistant Coroner for North Wales East and Central heard that after he was stung, he sat in his van and told the owner he had been stung and felt unwell. Passers-by and a passing vet who was flagged down tried to resuscitate him but he was certified dead at the scene. The Coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

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

“We are very saddened to learn about the death of Mr Flack 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”

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.

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.

 

 

Anaphylaxis Campaign Current Update with Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in the UK

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The adrenaline auto-injectors prescribed in the UK at present are Emerade®, EpiPen® and Jext®. They are designed for self-use and that is why they are usually referred to as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ or ‘AAIs’.

  • Emerade® is the most recent single-use adrenaline auto-injector to become available. It has a needle guard to protect against needle stick injury. Visit emerade-bausch.co.uk
  • EpiPen® has a spring-loaded concealed needle. The built-in needle protection keeps the needle covered during and after use. Visit epipen.co.uk
  • Jext® has a locking needle shield which engages after use, designed to protect against needle injury. Visit jext.co.uk

Bausch & Lomb UK limited has informed the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of a risk of Emerade product failing to deliver a dose of adrenaline from the syringe due to blockage of the needle.

Click here for full information provided by the MHRA on 11th July 2019

Click here for Bausch & Lomb’s most recent supply statement – 30th July 2019

 

We have been in contact with the pharmaceutical companies and have had the following responses;

EpiPen®

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.

For further information for Prescribers, Pharmacists and Schools, please click here.

Jext®

We have been made aware that ALK, the manufacturers of Jext®, have no production issues with good levels of stock on both their 150mcg and 300mcg adrenaline auto-injectors. They also have frequent deliveries scheduled throughout the coming weeks.

 

The Anaphylaxis Campaign would like to reinforce the following advice;

  • 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’).

 

Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign; “The Anaphylaxis Campaign recognises this is a very difficult time for patients who carry Emerade auto-injectors. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all individuals who are prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector to always carry two devices at all times, to use your auto-injector at the first signs of anaphylaxis and to call 999, ask for an ambulance and say anaphylaxis (pronounced as ‘anna -fill-axis’).”

 

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

Click here to read our Adrenaline Factsheet.

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

Breaking News on Food Labelling

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Tuesday 25th June 2019

The Anaphylaxis Campaign are delighted to hear the announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that food businesses will be required to provide a full ingredients list on pre-packaged foods for direct sale.

Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign said:

‘We are thrilled that DEFRA are taking forward full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged food for direct sale. We believe this is the right step forward to protect individuals with severe food allergies.’

Please read the full press release from DEFRA below.

 

GOVE TO INTRODUCE ‘NATASHA’S LAW’

  • Government makes full ingredients labelling mandatory
  • ‘Natasha’s Law’ to protect food allergy sufferers
  • Legislation in place by summer, with two-year implementation for businesses

A new law will require food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged foods, Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced today in a drive to protect the country’s two million food allergy sufferers.

Following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette, the Environment Secretary confirmed legislation will be brought forward by the end of summer to strengthen allergen labelling rules.

Under current laws, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information in writing, meaning allergy sufferers sometimes lack confidence buying food out.

The new legislation, known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, will tighten the rules by requiring foods that are pre-packed directly for sale to carry a full list of ingredients – giving allergy sufferers greater trust in the food they buy.

 

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:

“Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse have been an inspiration in their drive to protect food allergy sufferers and deliver Natasha’s Law.

“These changes will make food labels clear and consistent and give the country’s two million food allergy sufferers confidence in making safe food choices.”

The government will introduce legislation by the end of summer mandating full ingredients labelling for foods prepacked for direct sale, and the new laws will come into force by summer 2021 – giving businesses time to adapt to the change.

The introduction of ‘Natasha’s Law’ follows a consultation in January proposing four options, including full ingredient list labelling; allergen-only labelling; ‘ask the staff’ labels on products; and promoting best practice to businesses.

The consultation received overwhelming support from consumers for full ingredients labelling, with more than 70 per cent of individuals backing this option. The Food Standards Agency’s recent advice also recommended government should implement full ingredients labelling.

 

Chair of the Food Standards Agency Heather Hancock said:

“We want the UK to become the best place in the world for people living with food hypersensitivities.

“The impact of food allergy and intolerance on quality of life can be as great or even greater than almost all other foodborne diseases.

“Whilst it’s impossible to eliminate the risks entirely, we believe this change will mean better protection for allergic consumers.”

The reforms cover labelling requirements for 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.

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.

Food businesses across the country have already taken steps to improve food labelling and outlets are being urged to do all they can ahead of the implementation date to help consumers make safe food choices.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will continue to provide food businesses with guidance on allergens, and through its Easy to Ask campaign it works to empower young people to ask food businesses about allergens when eating out so they can make safe food choices.

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.

MedicAlert and Anaphylaxis Campaign

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We’re delighted to announce that Anaphylaxis Campaign has joined forces with MedicAlert, the national emergency medical information charity.

Aiding those with severe allergies and other medical conditions, MedicAlert is offering a £10 discount to all Anaphylaxis Campaign members and readers.

 

Who are MedicAlert?

The MedicAlert Foundation UK is the original and best provider of medical ID services, offering assurance and life-saving support to its members since 1964.

MedicAlert doesn’t just provide medical ID jewellery. Whilst the most medical information is engraved on to the reverse of the jewellery, their full service ensures that the information provided during an emergency is accurate and comprehensive – it is not restricted to what will fit on to a bracelet or necklace disc.

  • Members’ medical records may include allergies, medical conditions, medication, history, documents including clinical reports, doctor or hospital contact details and next-of-kin information.
  • Unlike other providers of medical ID services, all MedicAlert member records are checked by in-house medical professionals, both when they are set up and when anything changes to ensure that they are accurate and prioritised for use in emergency situations.
  • Records are available 24/7 via the emergency helpline in over 100 languages and dialects.
  • All members can appoint one or more advocates to help manage their record.
  • Members are able to update their medical record online as often as required, ensuring the information provided during an emergency remains accurate and relevant.

Joining MedicAlert

Membership equates to just 9p per day and provides 24/7 emergency phone support, medical professional checks of your record, document storage and the peace of mind that your information is relayed if the unexpected were to happen.

In order to support those at risk of a severe allergic reaction, MedicAlert has discounted the first year’s membership for all Anaphylaxis Campaign members and readers. Enter ANA10 to receive a £10 discount.

When this code is used, MedicAlert will also provide Anaphylaxis Campaign with a £5 donation, which will support our work of raising awareness of severe allergies.

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Calls for Allergens to be Included in Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

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On Thursday 30th May, The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health published an article calling for allergen hygiene to be scored in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and national guidance provided on how allergen responsibilities are split between environmental health and trading standards.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign believes that the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme needs to be made fit for purpose for the allergic community. At present the scheme provides consumers with information about hygiene standards which allow consumers to make informed choices about the places they eat at. Individuals with a food allergy are not able to make informed choices about a food business based on their compliance with allergen labelling laws. Inclusion of a food business’ compliance with legislation relating to allergens and their allergen management will go some way to improving allergic consumers’ confidence in a food business and highlight the importance of compliance with food business operators.

Click here to read the full article.