Understanding allergies

What are the most common type of food allergies and just how serious are they?

Food allergies are increasingly common amongst the UK population, and as a topic, they continue to hit news headlines.
According to the Food Standards Agency, nut and shellfish allergies are the most common and, in more extreme cases, they can actually kill.

So what can I do?

The advice is that if you are asked by a customer you must tell them exactly what is in your food. If you don't know, don't guess, find out. Remember even tiny traces of certain foods can kill.
Also keep nuts and shellfish isolated from other foods in the kitchen.
Clean down thoroughly the surfaces and utensils that have been used to prepare these foods.
Do not reuse cooking oils that have been in contact with nuts or shellfish for other purposes.

What if someone has an attack in my outlet?

Call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance stating that your customer could have anaphylaxis. Stay with the customer until help arrives.

For more information visit the Food Standards Agency web-site below and look up Safety & Hygiene / Food Intolerance:

www.food.gov.uk

The Society of Food Hygiene Technology

The Society was established in 1979 by a group of like-minded professional people who recognised the need for an organisation to cover the interests and views of EVERYONE involved in food hygienic in its widest application throughout the food chain.

www.sofht.co.uk