Allergies and Intolerances
What's the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
A food allergy occurs when an allergen is absorbed into the blood and causes a reaction from the immune system and the response is fairly rapid.
A food intolerance is a term used to describe a less severe reaction to food, which often has a delayed response.
Food allergens can be life threatening and the only way people can manage a food allergy is to avoid the foods that make them ill. A mistake by a caterer such as serving someone a food they are allergic to can not only damage the reputation of their business, but cause serious harm to the recipient.
Recent high profile cases highlighted the fundamental flaws in our existing food labelling laws and reminded food business that allergen control must not fall off their agenda!