Allergy information pack for consumers

Previous studies have shown that those with severe food allergies have significant gaps in knowledge about their disease and how to prevent recurrent reactions. To address these gaps, researchers from the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California developed an information pack 'Coping with Food Allergies' and tested it with allergic adult consumers to determine its usefulness.

The information in the educational pack was drawn from internet sources such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and text-based medical literature, with the language modified for a lay audience and hand-drawn illustrations added to improve clarity and visual appeal. The pack was tested in several stages, with revisions made based on comments from participants prior to testing of the next version.

Comments from the majority of participants directed the expansion of those sections dealing with symptom management and approaches to take when eating at restaurants, and these sections ultimately became prominent features of the pack. Despite the participants reviewing the information pack having longstanding food allergy, over 60% reported having learned something new from the pack.

The pack contains 8 main sections and an appendix. These sections include: (1) What is a food allergy? (2) Common allergic reaction symptoms; (3) Severe reactions to food: anaphylaxis; (4) Severe allergic reaction symptoms; (5) Diagnosing your allergy; (6) Testing for food allergies; (7) Managing your food allergy; and (8) Treatment.

The pack is intended for people with food allergies, school teachers and nurses and anyone working or dealing with the preparation, handling or legal monitoring of food. It will be made available to the public via the Food Safety Educators web site of the USDA and the allergy support group, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). The study can be accessed from www3.interscience.wiley.com