Peanut Allergy

Fortunately, children outgrow most food allergies, however, allergies to peanuts are usually lifelong. The real danger for peanut allergy sufferers appears to be accidental consumption of peanut products. According to the British Allergy Foundation, the main problem in the UK today is in situations where there is no indication on the packaging, or no packaging at all - such as in a restaurant - where sufferers might eat peanut or other nut derivatives unwittingly.

Obviously, food manufacturers cannot design all their products to eliminate all potential food intolerance situations. Indeed, many UK companies produce a wide range of nut products for the vast majority of the population who enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits that they provide. For example, more than 100 million 50g bags of salted peanuts, 250 million chocolate/peanut bars and 30 million jars of peanut butter are purchased every year in Britain.

All responsible food manufacturers ensure that all their packaged products are clearly labeled if they contain nuts, and when new information becomes available they regularly review and amend the detailed information contained on their packs for the benefit of consumers.

British Allergy Foundation - www.allergyfoundation.com
Anaphylaxis Campaign - www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
The Food Allergy Network - www.foodallergy.org