Anaphylaxis Awareness Week: Addressing the Critical Role of Allergen Management in Food Safety

This week marks Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, drawing attention to the importance of understanding allergens and managing allergic reactions. The spotlight on this issue has become even more crucial following the recent Food Standards Agency (FSA) alert concerning peanut allergies.

The FSA's latest update confirms the identification of the sources of mustard contaminated with peanuts, leading to 66 product recalls across the UK. This contamination poses a significant threat to individuals with peanut allergies, as exposure can result in severe, potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Given this risk, a precautionary approach has been implemented. Consumers are urged to closely examine food packaging for clear allergen labelling, including bold warnings for mustard and “may contain” statements where there is a contamination risk. Additionally, when dining out, it is essential to ask staff about the presence of mustard in dishes, as food businesses are legally required to provide this information.

As a laboratory with decades of experience in food testing, we take this alert seriously. The ongoing challenges in managing food contamination highlight a recurring issue within the food industry, one that poses serious risks to consumers. At One Scientific — A Tentamus Company , we are committed to addressing these challenges. Our analytical biochemistry UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 2048 specialises in peanut testing using the ELISA method, ensuring high-precision results.

We offer routine testing services as well as urgent, accelerated turnaround times to meet industry needs, including same-day testing availability. In times of heightened risk, such as this, our goal is to support food manufacturers and protect consumers by providing reliable, timely testing solutions. The safety of individuals with food allergies must remain a priority, and accurate testing is a key component of ensuring that safety.

Drop us a message at [email protected] to discuss the importance of this topic in regards to your products.