Help Rather than Hype to those with Food Allergy

When it comes to food allergies and intolerance, the advice available to the public ranges from the dependable to the downright dangerous. Recognising the need to ensure that the public receive consistent and reliable advice, The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has collaborated with the Food Standards Agency and five other allergy and nutrition organisations (Allergy UK, the Anaphylaxis Campaign, the British Nutrition Foundation, Coeliac UK and Foods Matter) on a just published advice leaflet for people who have been newly diagnosed with a food allergy. The leaflet, ‘Buying food when you have a food allergy or intolerance’, guides people with a food

allergy or intolerance, including coeliac disease, through the steps to remember when buying food and when eating out. The topics covered include checking the label on pre-packed food; what to look out for when foods aren’t pre-packed; talking to restaurant staff about your allergy; what to watch out for when using self-service restaurants. The leaflet also reassures people that there is no need to worry that being unable to eat a particular food will harm health and reminds them that it is the overall balance of their diet that matters. Dietitian Heidi Ball who contributed to the leaflet said ‘If you can’t eat certain foods it’s a good idea to choose other foods you

can eat to give you the nutrients you need. For example if you are cutting out dairy, you’ll need to make sure you include other sources of calcium. Remember, don’t cut major food groups out of your diet without medical advice.’