Food Allergies & Intolerances in the UK - Current Issues Essay

Food Allergies & Intolerances in the UK - Current Issues - Essay Example In case of tolerance, the patient can take the small quantity of the food without any reaction at all. In opposite, in case of food allergy, even a tiny quantity of food may activate a severe allergy reaction. Symptoms of intolerance will not be much quicker but allergy symptoms to any specific food could be immediate and instant. Both allergy and intolerance can result in a host of unpleasant and terrifying, fierce and probable fatal outcomes. Symptoms can occur over the patient’s body and can result in rashes, swelling of the mouth, wheezing, inflammation and digestive issues. There is no medical cure for these ailments and avoiding the specific food is the only available relief and a key issue is in identifying that particular food correctly (Stracey 2010). FSA (Food Standard Agency) in collaboration with the DEFRA introduced a new law on labelling of allergen which came into effect 13 December 2014 and this is known as Food Information Regulations EU1169/2011.Under this law, fourteen food allergen has to be named in the label if they have been used or if it contains ingredients made from them in pre-packed foods. Further, food manufacturers have required now to emphasis these allergens within the ingredients list. In the case of non-packed food items, such ingredients should be mentioned on a chalkboard, a labelled menu or by orally (Food.gov.uk 2014). The research study by Cochrane et al (2013) in the UK found that the vegetables and fruits were the chief cause of food allergy in adults (26%), eggs in young children (38%), and cow’s milk was the common in school going children(28%). When one’s immune system is puzzled instead of snubbing harmless food proteins, then food allergy happen as it triggers a reaction, which results in the discharge of a chemical known as ‘histamine’. The main culprit is the histamine which causes the typical allergy indications of swelling or hives. Anaphylaxis is the most severe reaction and this may be life-threatening.  Ã‚