Launch of food allergy study welcomed

An international study into food allergy has just been launched in the UK.

The project, led by the University of Manchester and funded by the European Commission, will involve leading experts from around the world, including the UK and USA.

The university team will work with 38 partners, including the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the food industry and patient groups representing people at risk of severe allergic reactions

The study, known as Integrated Approaches to Food Allergen and Allergy Risk Management (iFAAM) is expected to produce a standardised approach to allergen management for companies involved in food manufacturing. It will also develop tools to inform new health advice to prevent the development of food allergies.

“Information learned through iFAAM should help to develop a more consistent approach to providing consumers with information, so they can make safe choices about the food they eat,” says Sue Hattersley, head of the FSA’s allergy branch. “It also has the potential to provide greater insight into the development of food allergies, which would be helpful for parents.”