Food is at the center of life. Whether it is preparing a simple meal, or it is part of a big celebration with family and friends, food plays a significant role in our global society. However, this everyday necessity can pose health and safety risks for individuals living with allergies. Even with the most cautious attention to foods, ingredients, and their labels, one mistake can have devastating effects for a person with food allergies, as well as their family members.
Unfortunately, food allergies are a global issue, and they are not abating. Researchers found that "the rate of food allergies worldwide has increased from around 3 percent of the population in 1960 to around 7 percent in 2018."1 According to a recent survey in the UK, 79 percent of respondents said they "know at least one person other than themselves that lives with allergies."2 In addition, hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis have increased since the 1990s and mid-2000s in Australia, Spain, the UK, and the U.S.