New platform launched to report allergic reactions
Twelve councils across the North East have come together to launch an online platform where people can report if they have had an allergic reaction after eating in a food business.
The platform, which is hosted by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, makes it easier for people across the region to report incidents where they suspect they have been exposed to a known allergen and for the appropriate environmental health teams to investigate and take action where necessary.
All food businesses should have controls in place within their kitchen to cater for people with allergies safely. However a regional survey carried out in 2023 revealed that more than one in three ‘allergen-free’ samples taken contained traces of allergens.
Food allergies are very serious and potentially life-threatening.
Symptoms can range from mild itchy skin and swollen lips, face or eyes to vomiting, abdominal pain and anaphylaxis - which causes around 20 deaths each year in the UK.
A person can experience anaphylaxis within a few seconds or minutes of eating or being exposed to food allergens – most commonly found in peanuts, tree nuts, cow’s milk, egg, fish and shellfish, and sesame seeds/sesame oil.
Brian Whelan, environmental health manager, said: "Most food businesses prepare their food safely and manage risks well. However, sometimes things go wrong. This new website gives customers across the North East a simple system to report any allergic reactions which will help environmental health teams to identify businesses where allergen controls are not properly in place; increasing consumer safety and reducing the risk of allergic reactions occurring accidentally."
If you or a family member have experienced an allergic reaction after being exposed to known allergens in food you have bought or consumed in the North East of England – report it online to North East Allergic Reaction www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/allergic-reactions or follow the links available from www.darlington.gov.uk/foodsafety