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TrustDiner Launches UK Anaphylaxis Tracker to Increase Visibility of Allergic Reactions While Dining Out
TrustDiner has launched what it described as the UK’s first public anaphylaxis tracker, which allows people with food allergies to report anaphylaxis and other serious allergic reactions experienced at foodservice establishments.
The tracker was launched during Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, taking place October 1–7, 2026, and five years after Natasha’s Law came into effect. Natasha’s Law sets allergen labeling requirements for foods that are prepacked for direct sale on the same premises where they are sold.
The tracker is part of TrustDiner’s free community platform where people with food allergies can review restaurants, airlines, hotels, and other travel experiences.
UK Anaphylaxis Registry Captures Small Share of Reactions
TrustDiner cited a 2024 evaluation commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) which found that the UK Anaphylaxis Registry captured fewer than one in 20 accidental allergic reactions, the majority of which were triggered by food. The registry covers anaphylaxis from multiple causes, not only food.
The evaluation found that only 11 of approximately 170 accident and emergency departments participated in the registry, and adults accounted for only 2 percent of reports. TrustDiner said these limitations mean allergic reactions among adults, including those occurring while dining out, are particularly underrepresented.
The company also cited concerns about gaps in anaphylaxis surveillance raised following the death of Celia Marsh, a woman with a severe milk allergy who suffered an anaphylactic reaction after eating a vegan Pret a Manger sandwich that contained milk protein. The coroner in the case called for a robust system to capture and record anaphylaxis, including fatal and near-fatal cases.
TrustDiner said it hopes to collect more than 500 reports through its tracker by the end of 2026.
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Food-Related Anaphylaxis Hospital Admissions Have Increased
Hospital admissions in England for food-related anaphylaxis and other adverse food reactions increased 154 percent over two decades, according to figures cited by TrustDiner, rising from 1,971 admissions in 2002–2003 to 5,013 in 2022–2023.
Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and eggs were identified as among the most common food allergy triggers. The release also stated that cow’s milk is now the most common cause of fatal anaphylaxis among children in the UK.
Tracker Relies on Self-Reported Allergic Reactions
Reports submitted to the TrustDiner tracker identify venues associated with users’ experiences. However, TrustDiner emphasized that reports are self-reported and are not medically verified. The platform also does not determine whether a named venue caused a reported reaction. Venues can respond publicly to reports.
Professor Adam Fox, OBE, M.D., Chair of the National Allergy Strategy Group, said increasing visibility of serious reactions experienced while eating out could improve awareness within the hospitality industry and provide allergic people with additional information when deciding where to eat.
