Almost half (44%) of the 160 respondents with food allergies, admitted they wouldn’t always mention their allergy to a person they’re buying food from.
The main reasons for the 12-18-year-olds who responded included:
- They don’t want to make a fuss.
- They don’t feel it is important to tell staff.
- They are too embarrassed to say.
Around one in ten people worry about their allergies and the same amount have been teased or bullied because of it.
The issue of allergens is also prevalent in the public sector, especially in school meals. Stephen Forster, national chair of LACA, has been focusing on raising awareness about allergens over the past few months to ensure the school food sector is at the ‘forefront’ of tackling the issue.
At the LACA National Spring Seminar there will be a discussion on allergens where delegates will receive an update on the LACA Allergens Project.
Food allergies can require those that have them, to carry around an allergy pen or auto-injector, but only 49% admitted to doing so. Along with 40% of people who said they don’t check the ingredients labelled on food to keep themselves safe.
Eilidh Davidson from Glasgow has a tree nut allergy, the 17-year-old explained her allergy is severe and can result in swelling of the lips and tongue as well as being sick for hours.
Davidson said: “Over the last few years, I’ve figured out easier ways to deal with it at restaurants, which can be a big help. One thing I would really recommend is to always let the person serving you know about your food allergy.
"Even if the normal menu has allergen warnings, they often make an added effort to avoid cross-contamination with food that you're allergic to if they know about it in advance."
The campaign, supported by Allergy UK and Young Scot, encourages young people in Scotland to talk to their friends and families about the subject when they’re eating out.
Jacqui McElhiney, head of food protection science and surveillance at FSS, added: “Being aware of food allergies and talking about them is vital. Our campaign encourages young people to tell others about their food allergies and to check food labels to make confident choices about their food, as well as carry an allergy pen if they need one.
“Our survey suggests a need for greater awareness about the seriousness of food allergies, and that young people may be reluctant to discuss their allergies with others for fear of causing a fuss or standing out from the crowd.”