Lets make some noise about food allergies 2024

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Let’s Make Some Noise About Food Allergies

The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation

Annual Survey, 2024

Introduction

About The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation

The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, was founded in 2019 by Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse after their daughter Natasha died aged 15 from a severe allergic reaction to sesame Through campaigning, education and research, the charity’s mission is to make allergy history, in particular food allergy, and improve the lives of the millions of people in the UK living with food allergies

The charity is the only allergy charity dedicated to medical research We want to understand what is causing the dramatic rise in allergic disease - and develop ways to prevent, treat and ultimately eradicate it. Starting with food allergy, we want to create a world that is safe for everyone.

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Nadim and Tanya were both awarded OBEs in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list in recognition of their services to charity and for people with allergic disease.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died aged 15 from a severe allergic reaction to sesame.

Our work

The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is supporting people living with food allergies by:

Campaigning for change

Natasha’s Law, which came into force in 2021, strengthened food labelling, improving quality of life for people with food allergies and their families

It has taken away some of the stress and fear that is part and parcel of living with a food allergy, and given people confidence that the food they eat is safe

Funding medical research and training

The Natasha Clinical Trial: A £2.7m oral immunotherapy trial involving multiple NHS centres across England and Scotland, treating up to 300 children and young people with milk and peanut allergies.

Natasha Medical Bursaries fund allergy education to create the next generation of allergy specialists.

The landmark Global Allergy Symposium, hosted by the then Prince of Wales, brought together sixteen worldleading allergy experts to share their research and develop a blueprint for eradicating allergies.

The UK’s Food Allergy Charity

Executive summary

Background

Millions of people in the UK live with food allergies and the numbers are spiralling upwards, particularly among children.

Hospital admissions for severe allergic reactions to food have more than tripled in the last 20 years in the UK, with children and young people most affected.

For too long food allergy has been a low priority in this country NHS allergy services are woefully inadequate Schools and businesses are unprepared for the allergy epidemic we ’ re now facing There’s not enough medical research into the causes of food allergies and how to treat them People with food allergies and their loved ones feel isolated and ignored

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The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, wants to make change happen for people living with food allergies. But to do that, we need to create a national voice for people with food allergies. Because food allergies are everyone ’ s problem.

The voice of the food allergy community Annual Survey 2024

In April 2024, The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation conducted an online survey to gather the experiences of people living with food allergies. The survey, entitled ‘Let’s Make Some Noise About Food Allergies’, was launched to mark Allergy Awareness Week

2,246 responded to our survey In summary:

829 (37%) said they had food allergies

1,360 (62%) said they cared for a child with a food allergy

57 (1%) reported neither having allergies nor caring for a child with allergies

Key findings

Over 90 per cent of people surveyed believe food allergies are a ‘ very serious’ or ‘serious’ public health issue.

83 per cent of people with food allergies reported that it significantly impacts on their overall mental health and emotional wellbeing

Over 70 per cent of people with food allergies said that they have been discriminated against because of their food allergy.

More than 50 per cent of allergy parents want more staff and teacher training about food allergies

Almost 80 per cent of allergy parents said that they have seen casual indifference to their child’s food allergy or people not taking it seriously

Almost half of allergy parents have seen other parents tut or eyeroll when having to make a compromise because of a child’s food allergy or school policy around food.

Almost 90 per cent of people strongly agree that ‘supermarkets and food manufacturers should do more to ensure food is safe for allergic customers.’

93 per cent of respondents said Government should appoint an Allergy Tsar to advocate for people with allergies.

Impact of food allergies on mental health and emotional wellbeing

Over 80 per cent of respondents with food allergies said the impact on their overall mental health and emotional wellbeing was ‘ very significant’ (42.51%) or ‘significant’ (40 63%)

Over 70 per cent of respondents said they had been discriminated against because of their food allergy

We invited respondents to tell us more about the emotional impact of food allergies and their lived experiences Their answers revealed the considerable impact on mental health and anxiety, including exclusion and alienation This included being turned away and/or dismissed in restaurants, being refused service or being made to feel like an ‘inconvenience’ due to their food allergies.

Respondents also reported that their allergies are not taken seriously as other lifethreatening medical conditions, and expressed frustration that they have to continuously educate others about the risks.

They’re not a joke or people being fussy or overanxious Allergies can have a huge effect on people’s physical and mental health, and they should be taken far more seriously by medical professionals and the public in general.

I don't understand why something that can cause me to die is taken less seriously than any other serious medical issues that carries comparable risks to health, it makes me feel disrespected and unequal.

I feel frustrated that people don't listen - although serious it can also be accommodated and often people just don't want to 'take on the risk'. I understand but it makes me feel isolated

Impact on parents caring for children with food allergies

Almost 90 per cent of allergy parents/carers said they worry about their child’s wellbeing as a lot of people don’t understand allergies or how to help someone having an allergic reaction.

Over 50 per cent of allergy parents/carers said they sometimes prevent their child from doing certain activities as they worry for their wellbeing.

49 per cent of allergy parents/carers said they have seen other parents tut or eyeroll when having to make a compromise because of a child’s food allergy or school policy around food.

Over 40 per cent of allergy parents/carers said their child had gone hungry as people forget to serve/provide safe food.

70 per cent of allergy parents/carers have to pre-make and take food with them everywhere as people don’t cater for their child

Over 65 per cent of allergy parents/carers said their ‘child has been discriminated against or left out because of their food allergies.’

Almost 80 per cent of allergy parents/carers have seen casual indifference to their child’s food allergy or people not taking it seriously.

Over 90 per cent of allergy parents/carers surveyed believe schools and early years providers should be required by law to have policies in place to support and help keep food allergic children safe

Over 50 per cent of parents/carers want to see more teacher training to keep children with food allergies safe in nursery and in school.

Parents and carers of children with food allergies told us that there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about the severity of food allergies, with many people failing to take their child’s food allergy seriously. They said they can be perceived as over-bearing or overprotective for ensuring that their child’s allergies are properly understood and cared for.

The worst is reactions of other parents that don’t believe allergy is real And that of older people who think it’s a modernday self-indulgent invention

I have had parents moan that it’s unfair on their children to have to do things different because my child has an allergy.

Parents highlighted exclusion in schools, restaurants and in other social settings, leading their child to feel left out from peers This included being unable to participate in the same activities as their friends and attend parties, sleepovers, cookery lessons, excursions and family gatherings They also experienced negative comments from other passengers on airplanes when announcements were made about food allergies, and a lack of adequate allergy protocols within schools

Parents also shared how allergy teasing and bullying made their children feel belittled, misunderstood, confused, disrespected, frightened, isolated, upset and angry. This behaviour at school and in social settings exacerbates the anxiety that children and parents already feel about living with their food allergies.

Some respondents also commented that allergies are the subject of humour in public settings and popular culture (particularly film and television), and as a result many fail to take them seriously This also contributes to their child feeling singled out or different

People joke about him being ‘fussy’ and us being bad dinner guests. It makes me feel heartbroken for my son as he would love to be included more than anything.

Jokes are made in films about someone having an allergic reaction and it's not dealt with properly This is awful as allergies are seen as humorous. I'm devastated that allergies are not conveyed seriously

If it weren’t for the fact that we home cook everything, there would have been many occasions where nothing suitable would have been provided for our daughter

Time to review the top 14 allergens

Over 40 per cent of respondents told us they were allergic to an ingredient outside of the 14 officially recognised allergens. This is supported by research conducted by Tesco in partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation in 2022, which shows that more people are becoming allergic to allergens outside of the official list. For example, the study from Tesco’s Insight and Foresight team found that the prevalence of strawberry, kiwi and banana allergy was higher than mustard or lupin.

Policy and Government must keep up with this ever-changing situation and appoint an Allergy Tsar to keep people with food allergies safe.

Impact the Government and policy can have on the lives of those living with food allergies

93 per cent of respondents said Government should appoint an Allergy Tsar to advocate for those living with allergies

Over 90 per cent agreed that ‘all GPs should receive training in allergy ’

94 per cent strongly agree that ‘allergen information should be on menus in restaurants ’

Almost 90 per cent strongly agree that ‘supermarkets and food manufacturers should do more to ensure food is safe for allergic customers.’

Respondents told us about the structural reform they want to see from Government to better support people living with food allergies. This included better training of GPs for prompt diagnosis and treatment, mandatory policy and legislation in education settings, stronger training of those involved in food production and customer service, better price parity for allergy-friendly alternative foods and greater access to clinical immunotherapy.

1) ‘Research into Food Hypersensitivity in the UK’, Tesco Insight and Foresight Team, May-July 2022. Research conducted in partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.

Better price parity for allergy-friendly alternative foods or benefits to help families purchase these items Including EpiPen training in first aid courses and making them publicly available in the way AEDs (automated external defibrillators) are.

Food allergies needs to be a topic that everyone talks about - more posters, advertising on all types of media and social media Every school and community setting should have an AAI wall mounted kit.

More training and awareness for staff in all educational settings More awareness for GPs, nurses and all clinicians More general public awareness More awareness in public eating places. More food choices in shops, restaurants, holiday establishments. Teaching children from a young age about food allergies in schools.

Urgent change is needed: Our recommendations for action

The survey illustrates that many people living with food allergies feel excluded and isolated, and that there is a stark lack of wider public awareness about food allergies. The findings reveal the significant impact food allergies have on mental health and emotional wellbeing, affecting the allergic community’s experience in all areas of life, including socialising with peers, learning, and working. The survey highlights that structural change is urgent to tackle the exclusion and isolation experienced by people living with food allergies.

Appoint an Allergy Tsar

The survey supports our call on the Government to appoint an Allergy Tsar to make allergy services and treatments a priority within the NHS to prevent avoidable deaths and ill health We want to see more action from policymakers and political leaders to ensure that everyone is educated about allergies

An Allergy Tsar would: Act as a public champion to tackle the allergy epidemic now

Increase the number of specialist allergy clinics – one in every part of the country

Develop a National Register of Severe Allergic Reactions detailing all hospitalizations and fatalities, and a Near Misses Register of incidents

Join up GP and hospital allergy services so that patients have a coherent NHS care pathway.

Train more specialist allergy doctors and consultants, and mandatory training in allergies for all GPs.

More allergy awareness and education in schools

Our survey demonstrates the urgent need to address the gap in allergy awareness, information and training in schools We want to see improved allergy care in education to ensure that all children feel safe, included and empowered. This education reform would include:

Whole School Allergy Awareness: All school staff should be trained in allergy awareness, allergy management, and emergency response including administration of medication.

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All schools should record and report all known instances of allergic reactions and near-misses. This record keeping should be included in the evaluation criteria for Ofsted inspections. Existing safeguarding guidance should be strengthened to include specific reference to children with allergies.

All schools should have a specific allergy policy which includes an anaphylaxis plan.

All schools should have an individual healthcare plan in place for every child with a diagnosed allergy, and these should always include Paediatric Allergy Action Plans and an Anaphylaxis Risk Assessment

All schools should be funded to hold in-date spare adrenaline auto injectors (AAIs) at the suitable required dosage, with all staff trained in their use.

All under 5s who are eligible for free milk under the School Milk Subsidy Scheme or the Nursery Milk Scheme should have access to free dairy-free alternatives.

Allergy-aware bullying policy: Schools should ensure their behaviour and anti-bullying policies include awareness of allergy-related bullying

School Meal Transparency: All schools should clearly indicate where their catering is sourced from on their website and in welcome documents for new pupils/parents

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A new approach to digital allergy awareness: Allergy and other medical records should be digitised and updated throughout a child’s life, in a way that allows parents to easily make schools and other institutions aware of any allergy or special medical requirement

Children on Free School Meals should be entitled to an appropriate allergen-free hot meal wherever possible.

In extreme cases where schools are proven to be unable to provide suitable food, a fair compensation scheme should be in place for parents to be reimbursed the full price of an allergen-free packed lunch.

The UK’s Food Allergy Charity

Help us campaign for change

Support our campaign for an Allergy Tsar

Together, we want to make allergy a hot topic for the new Government In just one week 3,000 people signed the charity’s open letter calling for the Government to appoint an Allergy Tsar – this is in addition to 20,000 who signed our Parliamentary petition We have recently written to the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to request a meeting as soon as possible about this issue

Will you write to your MP on our behalf? Writing to politicians is a great way for you to help us to raise awareness of allergies. It’s quick and easy, plus it helps your MP to understand your concerns about allergies and to better represent you in Parliament.

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We send research and briefings to MPs, but the most effective way to get them to take an issue like allergy seriously is to show how much it matters to local people.

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Our top tips for emailing your MP

Introduce yourself as a constituent. As a constituent, your views and interests are a priority for your MP.

Be polite and to the point, and if you can - tell a personal story. Tell them why this cause is close to your heart.

Ask your MP to support our Allergy Tsar campaign. Encourage them to pledge their support to people with food allergies in your constituency.

For more information and to download a template email, visit our website page www narf org uk/write-to-your-mp

The UK’s Food Allergy Charity

Support us on social media

Social media is a powerful way of raising awareness and spreading the word about our Allergy Tsar campaign. We would love you to tell your friends, family and colleagues that you are supporting our important call on Government

Here’s some sample text you could use (and don’t forget to tag us - we would love to hear from you!):

For too long food allergy has been a low priority in this country. Now is the time to act. I’m calling on Government to appoint an Allergy Tsar to keep people living with food allergies safe #MakeAllergyHistory

Thank you

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Thank you for being on this journey with us. Let’s make some noise about food allergies to keep people with food allergies safe and ultimately make allergy history.

The survey results

Allergy Awareness Week, April 2024

How important do you believe allergies are as a public health issue?

We asked all 2246 respondents ‘how important do you believe allergies are as a public health issue?’ 82 95% of respondents selected ‘ very serious’, 11 44% said ‘serious’, 3 78% said ‘not very serious’ and 1 74% said ‘not serious at all’ (Figure 1) This response demonstrates the urgency for change, for food allergies to be taken seriously and made a priority

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Living with food allergies

We then asked respondents who told us they had a food allergy a series of questions about their experience and daily life, including what foods they were allergic to and the impact on emotional wellbeing.

Is the food to which you are allergic included in the top 14 allergens?

We asked them if the food they were allergic to was included in the top 14 allergens (Figure 2) Of the 888 people who responded to this question, the most prevalent allergies reported were tree nuts (45 38%); peanuts (43 58%); other (43 81%); milk (26 46%); eggs (20 83%); and cereals containing gluten (19 71%)

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Over 40% of respondents told us they were allergic to an ingredient outside of the 14 officially recognised allergens. This supports previous research conducted by Tesco in partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation in 2022, which shows that more people are which shows that more people are becoming allergic to allergens outside of the official list.

Increase brand awareness by 25% within the next year through a comprehensive marketing campaign The UK’s Food Allergy Charity

How does living with food allergies impact on overall mental health and emotional wellbeing?

We then asked ‘how does living with food allergies impact on your overall mental health and emotional wellbeing?’ Of the 854 respondents (Figure 3), 42.51% said ‘ very significantly’, 40.63% said ‘significantly’, 14.05% said ‘not significantly’, 2.11% said ‘not at all’ and 0 70% said ‘don’t know’

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Have you ever been discriminated against because of your food allergy?

We then asked ‘have you ever been discriminated against because of your food allergy?’ Of the 854 people who responded, 74.47% said yes and 25.53% said no (Figure 4).

We invited respondents to tell us more about these experiences and their answers revealed numerous examples of exclusion and alienation. This included being turned away and/or dismissed in restaurants and cafes, difficulties with food safety on airplanes and in the workplace. Respondents said they had been refused service and made to feel like an ‘inconvenience’ due to their food allergies.

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If you have been discrimated against due to your food allergy, how does that make you feel?

We also asked 'If you have been discriminated against due to your food allergy, how does that make you feel?’ 711 people responded to this question and 73 42% said they are ‘frustrated that people don’t understand I have a serious health condition’; 49.37% said it makes them feel excluded; 41.07% said it makes them feel anxious; 13.64 % said ‘other (please specify)’ and 3.38% said ‘it doesn’t bother me. ’ (Figure 5).

Caring for children with allergies

How many food allergic children do you have?

In the next section of the survey, we asked respondents if they cared for a child with food allergies and 1,360 people said yes. We asked this group how many food allergic children they had. Of the 1,326 parents who responded, 909 (68.55%) had one child with food allergies, 232 (17.50%) had two children with food allergies and 185 (13.95%) had three or more children with food allergies (Figure 6).

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Is the food to which your child/children are allergic included in the top 14 allergens?

We then asked these parents if the food to which their child is allergic is included in the top 14 allergens Of the 1,326 respondents, the most prevalent allergies in this group were peanuts (63 73%), tree nuts (55 13%), eggs (39 82%), milk (39 44%) and other (31 07%) (Figure 7)

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How does caring for a child with food allergies impact on your overall mental health and emotional wellbeing?

In the next section, we asked parents about the lived experience of caring for a child with food allergies We asked ‘How does caring for a child with food allergies impact on your overall mental health and emotional wellbeing?’ 1,304 parents responded to this question As outlined in Figure 8, 52 15% said ‘ very significantly’; 39 03% said ‘significantly’; 7 59% said ‘not significantly’; 0 69% said ‘not at all’; 0 54% said ‘don’t know’ (Figure 8)

Has

your child been discriminated against because of their food allergy?

We then asked parents if their child had ever been discriminated against because of their food allergy. Of the 1,304 parents who responded, 46.70% said yes; 15.34% said no; 10.81% said they didn’t know and 27.51% responded in the text box (Figure 9).

If your child has ever been discriminated against due to their food allergy, how does that make them feel?

In a follow up question, we asked parents about the emotional impact of this food allergy discrimination We asked parents ‘if your child has ever been discriminated against due to their food allergy, how does that make them feel?’ 1,260 parents responded to this question; 58 49% of parents said ‘they feel excluded’; 39 13% said ‘they are frustrated that people don’t understand they have a serious health condition’; 36 19% said ‘it makes them feel anxious’; 16 19% said ‘other’ and specified; 13 89% of said ‘ none of the above’ and 3 49% of respondents said ‘it doesn’t bother them’ (Figure 10)

Parents who specified ‘other’ shared the different ways that food allergy discrimination had an emotional impact on their child. This included feelings of embarrassment, frustration, anger, confusion, isolation and self-esteem issues. Parents said that discrimination contributed to making their child feeling ‘different’ and left out.

The lack of empathy and understanding is frustrating and upsetting.

Has your child ever experienced an allergic reaction to food in an early years or school setting?

We then asked parents about their experiences in early years and school settings, and whether their child had ever experienced an allergic reaction or exposure to the food to which they are allergic in the setting (Figure 11)

Bra Incre by 25 throu mark

1,260 parents responded to this question: 33 41% said their child had experienced ‘ a reaction to food which was managed by the early years/school staff’; 33 17% said their child had experienced ‘ a reaction to food which needed me to collect my child’; 29 76% said their child had experienced ‘ none of the above’; 24 05% said their child had experienced ‘ exposure to the food they are allergic to but no allergic reaction’; 18 41% of parents said their child had experienced ‘ an anaphylactic reaction to food’; 3 89% of parents said their child had experienced ‘all of the above’ and 16 03% of parents said other and/or specified the detail of incident.

Parents who selected ‘other’ shared additional details about incidents, including crosscontamination in lessons and during lunch times, miscommunication with teaching staff, violations of ‘ no nut’ policies within schools and a lack of general awareness among other parents and children.

Have you or your child experienced jokes or teasing about their allergies?

We asked parents caring for children with allergies whether their child had ever experienced teasing about their allergies. 1,260 parents responded to this question:

50.63% said yes, 32.46% said no and 16.90% said don’t know (Figure 12).

In a follow-up question, we asked parents how this teasing made their child feel. These responses revealed the immense emotional impact of teasing on children and their parents, affecting their self-esteem and confidence. Parents told us how teasing and bullying made their children feel belittled, misunderstood, confused, disrespected, frightened, isolated, upset and angry. This behaviour at school and in social settings exacerbates the anxiety that children and parents already feel about living with their food allergies

External perceptions and reactions

In the next section of the survey, we asked parents about how other people have reacted and responded to their child’s food allergies 1,251 parents responded to this question as follows (Figure 13):

79 54% of respondents said ‘I have seen casual indifference to my child’s food allergy or people not taking it seriously’;

66 83% said my ‘child has been discriminated against or left out because of their food allergy’;

64.03% said ‘I have heard negative comments about food allergies’;

49.00% said ‘I have seen parents tut or eyeroll when having to make a compromise because of a child’s food allergy or school policy around food’;

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42.93% said ‘ my child has gone hungry as people forget to serve/provide safe food’; 10.71% specified ‘other’ and shared more in the comment box; 5.28% said ‘ none of the above’.

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Parental reactions

The next question asked about parents’ own approach to their child’s food allergies 1,241 responded to this question as follows (Figure 14):

89 77% of respondents said ‘I worry about my child’s wellbeing as a lot of people don’t understand allergies or how to help someone having an allergic reaction’;

80 66% said ‘I always have to check if my child will be given safe food – people rarely consider them without me prompting/reminding’;

70.19% said ‘I have to pre-make and take food with me everywhere as people don’t cater for my child’;

56.49% said ‘I sometimes prevent my child from doing certain activities as I worry for their wellbeing’;

8.38% specified ‘other’ and provided further comments;

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1.77% said ‘ none of the above.’

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Parents who specified ‘other’ commented on the significant emotional and mental impact of caring for children with food allergies, including constant anxiety about safety and exposure This includes significant research, planning and extra expense to ensure that their child is kept safe and can take part in activities Numerous parents said they were concerned about the transition from primary school to secondary school and the responsibility placed on their child to be independent

Schools and early years settings

In the next section, we asked parents caring for children with food allergies about the change they would like to see in schools and early years settings. We asked parents ‘Do you believe schools and early years providers should be required by law to have policies in place to support and help keep food allergic children and young people safe?’

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1,225 parents responded to this question: 98.53% said yes; 1.31% said not sure/not applicable and 0.16% said no (Figure 15).

What do you think would help the most to keep children safe in school and in early years settings?

The next question asked parents what they think would help the most to keep children safe in school and early years from the following options:

More staff and teaching training;

Teaching children about food allergies;

More resources for parents;

Statutory collection of information about children with food allergies;

More guidance from government.

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1,208 parents responded to this question and 51.32% of parents selected ‘ more staff and teacher training’ as the most important action they wanted to see (Figure 16).

Government and policy

In the next section of the survey, we asked all respondents to the survey (both those living with a food allergy and parents caring for children with food allergies) a series of questions about policy and reform.

Do you think the Government needs to do more to raise awareness and implement measures to protect those with allergies?

We asked participants if they think the Government needs to do more to raise awareness and implement measures to protect those with allergies. 2,037 respondents answered as follows (Figure 17):

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87.73% said ‘ yes, definitely’;

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10.70% said ‘ yes, for the most part’;

1 08% said ‘ no, not really’;

0 10% said ‘definitely not’; and 0 39% said ‘not sure ’

The UK’s Food Allergy Charity

Do you believe the Government should appoint an Allergy Tsar?

We then asked respondents if they agree that Government should appoint an Allergy Tsar to advocate for those living with allergies. 2,037 respondents answered as follows: 93.03% said yes; 5.40% said don’t know and 1.57% said no (Figure 18).

To what extent do you agree with the following statements?

We then asked respondents to tell us to what extent they agreed with the following series of statements about allergies and calls for policy change 2,008 people responded to this question (Figure 19) and the responses revealed that:

94.87% strongly agree that ‘all GPs should receive training in allergy.’

89.38% strongly agree that ‘there should be access to specialist food allergy healthcare and services in all local areas. ’

94.36% strongly agree that ‘allergen information should be on menus in restaurants.’

92.98% strongly agree that ‘full ingredient information should be accessible or on menus in restaurants ’

89 78% strongly agree that ‘supermarkets and food manufacturers should do more to ensure food is safe for allergic customers ’

75 54% strongly agree ‘supermarkets should sell more allergen free products ’

72 14% strongly agree ‘shopping for those with food allergies is challenging ’

Information and resources

We then asked respondents to tell us where they access trusted information and resources about living with allergies 2,008 people responded and were invited to select all that applied (Figure 20):

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77.29% respondents selected The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation;

47.86% respondents selected NHS/GP;

33 22% respondents selected ‘other/please specify’;

25 75% respondents selected social media;

16 04% respondents selected other parents;

3 39% respondents selected local authority;

2 39% respondents selected school, nursery, early years provider;

3 74% respondents said none of the above

Under ‘other’, respondents shared a range of different sources of information, including other allergy charities and organizations, medical research papers in scientific journals and also noted that social media can be an effective way of accessing information that may be otherwise unavailable.

The UK’s Food Allergy Charity

Thank you for reading

To find out more about The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, visit www.narf.org.uk.

Join Natasha’s Army and subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.narf.org.uk/natashas-army

Follow us on social media and connect with our allergy community.

@natashasfoundation

@natashaslegacy

@natashasfoundation

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