Allergy UK calls again for action on full ingredient labelling

Allergy UK has reiterated our call for full ingredient labelling on all food products, following researchers calling for additional allergens to be added to those required by UK law to be listed on food labels.

Food packaging in the UK and EU already lists the most common 14 allergens for people to be aware of such as egg, peanuts and milk.

However, at least four more could be added to the mandatory risk list say experts, following a study reported in the Journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy.

Lead investigator Dr Dominique Sabouraud-Leclerc, from the Allergy Vigilance Network, points to evidence of increased reactions to a wider range of foods. Her team has pushed for their findings to be included in the EU’s allergen risk list.

The foods the researchers argue should be added to the list are:

• goat or sheep milk
• buckwheat
• peas and lentils
• pine nuts.

The Allergy Vigilance Network reviewed food-induced anaphylaxis cases reported in Europe between 2002–2023, analysing nearly 3,000 cases, of which 413, including two deaths, are believed to have been caused by one of the eight emerging food allergies. In total, researchers found that emerging food allergies were responsible for 413, (approximately 14%) of reported cases.

Simone Miles, Chief Executive of Allergy UK, responded to the report, saying: “We are reiterating our call for full ingredient labelling on all food products. This research shows that even lesser-known allergens can cause serious reactions and life-threatening anaphylaxis.

“We are closely monitoring emerging allergens and recently issued advice to people with a pea allergy. Pea is not one of the 14 allergens currently required by law to be listed, yet pea protein is increasingly being added to a wide range of foods, including in products where it may not be expected.”

“For too long, people with food allergies have struggled with unclear and inconsistent food labelling. Vague ‘may contain’ warnings, small print, and confusing ingredient lists make it difficult to know whether a product is safe to eat. “We are urging consumers to be cautious and always check the label, while calling on regulators and retailers to take urgent action.

“21 million people in the UK live with an allergy, it’s time to take allergy seriously, which is why we have called for a Food Anaphylaxis Registry to be introduced without delay. This would help the medical profession understand why life-threatening anaphylaxis occurs. This is a crucial step to ensure the risks of this happening to anyone again in the future are significantly reduced.”