As consumer interest in food and ingredients has grown, awareness of intolerance and allergy has also increased.

Kallo has a number of wheat and gluten free products.

Many people have a reaction to a food at some point in their lives, and some may worry that an allergy may be responsible. One in five people think that they have a food allergy. However, according to the British Nutrition Foundation, only 1-2% of people are intolerant and less than 1% have a true allergy.

Allergies and intolerances are not the same thing. A food allergy can be recognised when a problem food triggers the immune system to produce a response to the food, this may cause serious and even life-threatening symptoms. Therefore it is necessary, that people with a true food allergy identify and prevent exposure to foods which could cause an allergic reaction.

Food intolerance is unrelated to the immune system but it is related to reactions to food that make the consumer feel unwell. A common food intolerance is to gluten (a protein found in wheat). This is also called Coeliac disease but should not be confused with wheat allergy.

Widespread media attention about allergies and intolerances may have raised unjustified concerns in consumers. In the UK, celebrities and the popularity of their diets may have increased awareness and popularised allergies. Their diets should be treated with caution.

It is recommended that if you suspect that you have a food allergy or intolerance to wheat gluten or any other food you should contact your GP for professional advice.

Links

• UK Coeliac Charity
• UK Food Allergies Magazine
• Action Against Allergy
• Allergy Lifestyle Magazine
• Medical Allergy Charity

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