The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee published a report in September 2007 which says that allergy in the United Kingdom has now reached epidemic proportions.

The report is a comprehensive overview on all aspects of allergy, including specific sections on food allergy. Recommendations are made to the food industry to minimise the number of ‘may contain’ precautionary statements and improve food processing methods in order to reduce the risk of undeclared allergens. The UK Food Standards Agency is urged to consider the needs of allergic consumers in their review of current allergen labeling legislation.

The report has generated some controversy, for example with regard to the recommendation that pregnant women should exclude peanuts from their diet. There is currently no evidence to support this recommendation, however such comments from the House of Lords highlight the need for much more research into food allergy.

The 151 page report is available for download at the following website, or can be requested from the Allergen Bureau.

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldselect/ldsctech/166/166i.pdf