milk allergy

21 February 2015

skin prick tests for allergies

(The information provided is for guidance and is not a substitute for medical advice)

I thought I would share an update on my medical appointments as I have been back to see my Allergy Consultant. We chatted through the outcome of my visit to the Dermatologist and then discussed a rather unfortunate incident I experienced with M&S chocolates at Christmas. I took a risk on a product labelled along the lines of "not suitable for milk allergy because of manufacturing methods". I am in no hurry to repeat that any time soon. I was given another skin prick test for milk and egg. The results were a mild reaction to milk but nothing for egg. For point of reference there are two categories of allergy - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated and non-IgE-mediated. IgE mediated is the one associated with anaphylaxis and a skin prick test is likely to be positive whereas with non-IgE anaphylaxis is not a response but symptoms may include vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhoea. Skin prick or blood tests are negative.

Where do we go from here? Well I've been asked to food challenge at home for milk and go to the hospital for an egg challenge. I walked away from my appointment with a mix of emotions as food challenges kind of terrify me. I know my own body and even if a skin prick test is negative I cannot ignore my symptoms. I may never have had anaphylaxis but there is no denying my stomachs and skin reactions. I guess you might say I have developed anxiety towards some foods. I can smell an orange a mile off and the thought of being near one brings me out in a cold sweat because I have a childhood memory of drinking juice and gasping for air.

There is another hurdle to overcome I have spent 28 years on a free from diet and in that time I stopped eating meat and became aware of animal cruelty issues. After much contemplation I realised I have no real desire to incorporate animal milks and eggs back into my diet. I have strong opinions about techniques involved in modern farming. The problem with a food challenge is by "passing" the initial test (not having a reaction) you are expected to keep that ingredient in your diet. I believe the theory is that if you stop eating it you may develop a reaction again over time.

I have decided not to food challenge for the time being. The truth is I am perfectly happy living life with a diet that leans towards Vegan. It is not an easy diet to manage outside of the home as I can feel a little alienated by restaurants but things are slowly improving. My experience with chocolates at Christmas, my skin prick test and my viewpoints on animal cruelty put me off entertaining the thought of challenges.

For the time being I am finished with hospital appointments. It has been a worthwhile experience pursuing a long overdue follow up. I think from this point the rest is up to me, there is little more that the Doctors can do. The test results for milk have been interesting given the consultant was initially dismissive that I still have a problem because there is an expectation that children grow out of some allergies (it does happen). I am happy that my free from lifestyle is still the correct way to manage sensitivities. I am still challenging my OAS and I am now enjoying a few more fruits but I am still a long way off eating an orange.

In my other appointments I was diagnosed with OAS and Methylisothiazolinone allergy, to read about them simply follow the links.

Sarah x

10 December 2014

Labelling EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation 14 Allergens

Back in September 2013 I wrote about the preparations companies were making for new European labelling aka Food Information for Consumers Regulation No. 1169/2011. It finally comes into force this weekend (13 December 2014). These new regulations affect the way allergens are labelled on pre-packaged and loose foods.

When I first heard about the changes I was initially critical. I think my reaction was understandable. I have been reading labels in a certain way since the day I left home (long time ago!) and here I am now having to re-learn my ways. Of course as with most things you slowly adjust and I have become familiar with recognising new labelling. Whilst I still think there are issues which need ironing out, on the whole I can see the reasoning behind the new rules. I still think that some brands need to work on how they highlight the allergens as there are occasions when the font colour or style just isn't clear enough for me. 

The new legislation also affects restaurants, deli counters, cafe, basically anywhere selling unpackaged/loose foods. These types of businesses must be able to provide allergen information to customers. Sadly, judging from social media this particular element of the regulations has not been warmly accepted by some. Many appear to be critical about the added cost to their business and the leg work involved. Lets remember the regulation did not come in over night, this has been on the table since 2011 so people have had plenty of time to prepare. On Monday, BBC Breakfast aired a segment about labelling changes and invited a conversation on their Facebook page. Sadly, the thread was full of "nasty" comments directed at people with allergies and coeliac disease. For a brief overview the conversation has people without allergies saying they are paying the price for the new regulations, people with allergies should stay at home and not eat out, allergies and gluten free are fad diets, no one had allergies 40 years ago blah blah blah. Someone who makes /sells sandwiches left the following comment

Barbara Kent - "I make sandwiches for the general public in a small store , apparently I will have to list all ingredients , this means buying some kind of posh labeling machine that we can ill afford . We will probably stop making them ,thereby stopping all the locals who rely on us for their lunch , they will have nowhere to go . They say that 2 million people have food allergies , that leaves a huge amount that don't and now we are all penalised . Is it too much to hope that people take care of themselves and leave the other 58 million to eat in peace?" (BBC Breakfast - Facebook page)

What puzzles me is why chefs/cooks (and sandwich makers) seem to be struggling with the concept. Why is it so difficult for them to be knowledgeable about the ingredients of the meals they are making? Is it really that difficult to breakdown the allergens in a ham, cheese and pickle sandwich? There is no need for posh labelling machines, just a requirement to know if a sandwich contains one or more of the 14 allergens*. The advice from the FSA is "... information on any of the 14 allergens used as ingredients will need to be provided for foods sold without packaging or wrapped on site. This information could be written down on a chalk board or chart, or provided orally by a member of staff. Where the specific allergen information is not provided upfront, clear signposting to where this information could be obtained must be provided."

As for the concern that the new regulations are penalising those who don't have allergies I am lost for words. Seriously, I don't get it, would someone like to explain how this is affecting non-allergy folks? I'm guessing most won't even notice the new changes as they go about their daily lives. I bang my head against the wall with some attitudes. I hope this is just a small portion of the population who appear to have no common sense. Saying that, these are probably the same people who make a fuss about it being their human right to eat peanuts on a flight.

As far as I'm concerned, from Saturday I am hoping to sit down in a cafe or visit a deli counter and have confidence in ordering food. No longer will wait staff be able to say they don't know the allergens and can't advise me. If you can't cater for me, I have no issue with that, there are a number of places that are capable of accommodating my dietary requirements. For the businesses that see this as an expense, I would ask them to see this as an investment for the future. Think of the number of new customers you are about to receive. People with allergies/intolerance/coeliac disease are a supportive group who rely on one another for recommendations of safe places to eat. I am confident you will be rewarded with loyal customers who will shout about you from the roof tops.

If you would like to help promote awareness about the new allergen information, join the FSA's (Food Standards Agency) Thunderclap campaign.

Sarah x

*The 14 Allergens are - cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphur dioxide, lupin and molluscs

16 October 2014

Almond Dream Non Dairy Ice Cream

This product is no longer available in the UK but it was exciting whilst it lasted. Fast forward to 2021 and you'll find vegan Ben & Jerry's, dairy free Magnums and many more.

Sarah

30 January 2014


When I was little, there was no internet and dairy free milk was not available at the supermarkets (pass me the zimmer frame lol). I was prescribed a formula substitute and it was disgusting. I remember falling back in 'like' with soya milk when I visited Australia and was drinking a brand called SoGood. On my return to the UK, I discovered SoGood in supermarkets but it eventually disappeared from shelves and then I became an Alpro customer. I think it's fairly obvious that Alpro are the market leaders for dairy free products and many people rely on them as a free from substitute.

If you are part of the Allergy/Intolerance community on Twitter you may already be aware of the AlproSOS Campaign. It has been set up by concerned parents of nut and dairy allergic children in response to Alpro's move to slap 'may contain nut' warnings on their soya products. Alpro plan to move the production of their nut milks into the factory which currently produces all of their soya products. A move which is a year away but they have already started printing warnings on packaging. It's not just the Alpro branded milk which is affected, turns out they manufacture majority of own brand supermarket soya milk, that includes the ones I buy from Tesco and Sainsbury's. The other issue is Alpro hold 100% share of the junior soya milk market. The follow on milk for toddlers, Junior 1+, is the only non-dairy product on the market with an appropriate nutritional profile for that age group. The impact of the changes has a knock on effect outside of the home because Alpro supply cafes and restaurants.


You could be forgiven in thinking that a may contain warning is no big deal but for those with life threatening allergies, ‘may contain’ warnings do not indicate the degree of risk involved. Anyone with a nut allergy would not use products with these warnings.

Campaigners were recently invited to a meeting with Alpro's Commercial Director, John Allaway for an "open discussion" of the issues. If you wish to learn more, visit the AlproSOS Facebook page and Foodsmatter website.

I am not affected by the changes but I am annoyed. As someone with allergies/intolerances I can sympathise with the campaigners. There is nothing worse than one of your staple free from products being affected by ingredient or manufacturing changes. We already lead a limited lifestyle and to have to cross another item off the list can be distressing. I've observed Alpro chase the "healthy lifestyle" market in recent years and feel as if they are leaving behind their loyal free from customers.

Have you been affected by Alpro "may contain" labels?

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