What can the hospitality sector do about rising food allergies?

Recent studies have shown that food allergies are increasing across the UK. According to research from the NHS, food allergies among children have risen sharply in the past two decades, with nearly 5-8% of children in the UK now affected by at least one. This rise has been linked to multiple factors, including changes in dietary habits, environmental conditions, and genetic predispositions. The risk of severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, is a particular concern for the hospitality industry.?

Dr Lisa Ackerley, a prominent food safety advisor in the UK hospitality sector, recently said: “The rise of food allergies is one of the biggest challenges we face in food safety today. Restaurants and cafes must have robust systems in place to protect those at risk.” Her view underscores the urgency of adopting comprehensive risk management protocols across the industry.

Food Allergy Fact File

The most common food allergens that hospitality businesses must closely? monitor include:

• Peanuts and tree nuts: Trigger some of the most severe allergic reactions.
• Milk: Dairy allergies are prevalent in children and can lead to life-threatening symptoms.
• ?Eggs: A common allergen, especially among children, though some outgrow this allergy with age.
• Fish and shellfish: Reactions to these allergens are often severe and can be lifelong.
• Wheat: Beyond gluten intolerance, wheat allergies can cause significant respiratory and digestive reactions.?
• Soy: Common in many processed foods, soy can trigger reactions in both adults and children.
• Sesame: With rising prevalence in processed foods, sesame allergies have become a growing concern, as highlighted in the tragic case of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in 2016.

Each of these allergens poses a unique risk, and without clear labelling and rigorous ingredient management, allergic reactions can occur with severe consequences.

The responsibility of the hospitality industry

Sterling Crew, Chair of the Food Authenticity Network’s Advisory Board, points out, “The hospitality industry must adopt transparent and effective food safety protocols to meet the needs of today’s allergy-sensitive society. Consumers deserve to know what is in their food, and hospitality providers have a duty to ensure that information is accurate.”

Effective risk management is not merely an option but an obligation for the hospitality sector. From allergy labelling to cross-contamination prevention, every stage of food handling must be monitored and documented.

Leveraging technology: Prime Systems’ role in food safety management

As the demand for stringent food safety standards grows, technology is an increasingly important and effective tool. Prime Systems has developed a comprehensive suite of tools that enable hospitality businesses to streamline and enhance their food safety protocols, including:

1. Accident and Incident Reporting: Real-time reporting of any incidents, enabling quick response and minimising risk.
2. Compliance Monitoring: Ensures ongoing compliance with the latest food safety legislation and guidelines.
3. Risk Assessments: Allows businesses to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks before incidents occur.
4. Food Diary: Provides a complete record of ingredients, supplier information, and any changes in food preparation, crucial for tracing potential allergens.

Paul Ramsell, Managing Director of Prime Systems, has highlighted the significance of robust allergen management in hospitality. “Allergies must be a primary concern for all in hospitality. Recent tragedies in the headlines remind us that a single mistake can cost lives and the hospitality industry simply must not overlook the importance of meticulous risk management.”

Prime Systems has been instrumental in aiding some of the UK’s largest hospitality businesses and holiday parks, customising risk management software to fit the unique needs of each establishment. This tailored approach allows businesses to prioritise safety without compromising efficiency or customer experience.

Discover more about our risk management modules here: www.prime-systems.net/software

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