Notice Board archive 2009
December 2009
20 December
The December issue of the Food Can Make You Ill
Newsletter is now online.
View
the December Issue
Find out how to subscribe
14 December
It's the time of year when parties and family gatherings increase in number. If you have a food intolerance or allergy problem these can be both stressful and hazardous. Have a read of my Holiday Tips and Tricks to help you stay safe.
03 December
The UK Food Standards Agency has released a guide to buying food when
you have an allergy. You can download the leaflet directly from their
site:
FSA: Guide to buying food when you have an allergy
November 2009
30 November
In the News:
Genius housewife has Tesco hit with gluten-free bread
A housewife turned entrepreneur is about to sell the millionth loaf of the gluten-free bread she invented to help her sons’ food allergies.
Nuts or oyster killed diner
An Auckland coroner has concluded that a man who collapsed and later died after eating a restaurant entree was probably exposed to traces of nuts or oyster.
23 November
The November issue of the Food Can Make You Ill
Newsletter is now online.
View
the November Issue
Find out how to subscribe
22 November
New article added to the site:
20th November
New links added to the site:
Wholistic Research Company
Some interesting products that can be hard to obtain including water
distillers and soya milk makers.
Hunger Site
Click to donate food paid for by the site's advertisers.
19th November
New research update added:
Mercury exposure, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disruptions may affect learning in children
15 November
New research update added to the site:
12 November
European Food Safety Authority issues opinions on six artificial colours
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has today published its scientific opinions on six artificial food colours.
10 November
New research update added:
Contact urticaria, eczema and dermatitis to chapatti flour
06 November
New book review added to the site:
The World of Caffeine:
The Science and Culture of the World's Most Popular Drug
Bennett Alan Weinberg, Bonnie K. Bealer
03 November
In the news:
People with egg allergy face vaccine dilemma
This news item from Canada highlights the problems some egg allergy
sufferers have with the latest flu vaccine.
Depression link to processed food
Eating a diet high in processed food increases the risk of depression, research suggests.
Food allergies a growing problem
Three times as many children suffer from allergies to staple foods than previous generations.
02 November
New research update added to the site:
October 2009
29 October
New research update added to the site:
26 October
The Links section of the site has been completely reorganised and all links checked.
In the news:
How coeliac disease left Hotel Babylon star Michael Obiora
slurring his speech
A real life experience with coeliac disease and living gluten free.
24 October
In the news:
Sweet alternative launches in Australia
Stevia is being made available in Australia.
Stevia is sweet – but is it safe?
Stevia begins to find its way into Canadian products.
Stevia is not allowed as a sweetener in the UK and Europe. See FSA.
22 October
New link added to the Healthy Eating Section:
Doves Farm
Organic, Fairtrade & Gluten Free Flour, Cereals, Bars & Biscuits. You can buy many of their products in health food stores and, now, you can buy direct from their website.
21 October
In the news:
Was it a sudden seafood allergy? No.
An interesting article looking at how what was thought to be a seafood
allergy had its origin in a tick bite.
Halloween Doesn't Have to Be Scary for Kids With Food Allergies
20 October
The October issue of the Food Can Make You Ill
Newsletter is now online.
View the
October Issue
Find out how to subscribe
19 October
New research update added to the site:
Urticaria and pseudo allergens
18 October
In the News:
'Food intolerance' could afflict half of UK
Almost half the population of Britain could be suffering from food intolerance resulting in weight gain, diabetes and other complications.
New link added:
National Allergy Strategy Group UK
This site includes a link to an
Online Petition to Improve NHS Allergy Services
17 October
New research updates added to the site:
Allergic Disorders in Scotland
15 October
New research update added to the site:
Food Allergy and Intolerance Testing
12 October
In the news:
Mother claims teacher gave allergic boy peanuts
The mother of a 7-year-old boy names her autistic son's teacher and school in a lawsuit claiming an educator exploited the boy's allergy to prevent him from going on a class field trip.
Allergies cost NHS Scotland £130m
One in three of the Scottish population is affected by allergies at some point in their lives - higher than in England, according to a new study.
Test your knowledge of food additive
Take this quiz about maltodextrin,
a complex carbohydrate and a food additive
5 October
In September 2009, the 2008 annual report of pesticide residues on food in the UK was published . Of the 4,129 samples tested, 50 (1.2%) contained a residue that was above the legal maximum residue level (MRL). I have put together a summary of the main findings. See: Pesticides.
1 October
New link added to the Health Eating (UK) section:
September 2009
25 September
In the News:
Free-from foods packed with salt, CASH finds
A survey of UK supermarkets' own-brand gluten-free, wheat-free and dairy-free foods has found more than half had higher salt levels than standard versions, raising concern for the intake levels of coeliacs and others who avoid certain foods.
I have also added Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) to my links page. For a different view on salt see my article Healthy eating: Salt?
21 September
The September issue of the Food Can Make You Ill
Newsletter is now online.
View the September Issue
Find out how to subscribe
20 September
New Research Updates added to the site:
17 September
Recommendations for the administration of influenza vaccine in children allergic to egg have been published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). In summary they are:
- Egg-free, mammalian culture based flu vaccines should be given preferentially to individuals allergic to egg.
- If an egg-free vaccine is not available, only vaccines with a stated maximum egg content <1.2 µg/ml (0.6 µg per dose) should be used in individuals allergic to egg.
- If egg based vaccine is administered to individuals with egg allergy, this should be done in a centre experienced in the management of anaphylaxis.
- A single dose protocol is recommended for those with less severe egg allergy.
- A two dose, split protocol can be used in those with anaphylaxis to egg or those with moderate or uncontrolled asthma.
The full report can be viewed on the BMJ web site.
16 September
In the news:
Allergy: Solving The Mystery Of IgE
At the 2nd European Congress of Immunology ECI 2009 held in Berlin the scientist presents new data revealing the evolution of IgE.
Fruit and veg allergies could outstrip peanuts
The number of people who are allergic to fruit and vegetables is soaring and could already surpass the number of people suffering from peanut allergies, according to experts.
15 September
New Research Updates added to the site:
Urticaria caused by antihistamines
9 September
In the News:
Costly tests said to be useless in determining food intolerance
This news article claims that the tests for food intolerance that
measure IgG are useless. This is an issue that arises on a regular
basis. Sadly, there is still no definite scientific proof that IgG tests
are indicative of a food intolerance. You can find out more about
testing in the library: see
Allergy testing and
Testing for Food Intolerance.
NSW ban plan for high-caffeine energy drinks
Energy drinks with dangerously high levels of caffeine are being sold to children because of a loophole in Australian law, the NSW Government says.
Five year 7 students from Quakers Hill, in Sydney's west, reportedly suffered side effects including dizziness and nausea after consuming the drinks on their way to school.
If High-Fructose Corn Syrup Kills Honeybees, What Does It Do To You?
Is HFCS a culprit in the demise of the honey bee?
7 September
Research update added to the site:
Food Allergy Attitudes in the US
3 September
New article added to the site:
Allergic Reactions to Moulds / Molds in Food
1 September
In the News:
Canada adds acrylamide to list of toxic substances
Bristol doc saves nut allergy sufferer on plane
High-dose supplements fight taken to EC president
A nose for food: 3-year old needs allergy service dog
Food allergies can develop at any age and turn a favorite dish into a killer
August 2009
28 August
In the news:
Food Standards Agency warns consumers to avoid certain clay-based drinks
26 August
New links added:
Allergies and Me
A US site offering products and resources to people battling Food
Allergies, Food Intolerances and those with other special dietary needs
Gluten Free Casein Free Food
Dietary Intervention Treatment For Autistic Spectrum Disorders. A US
site packed full of information.
23 August
In the News:
Agency warning about drinking Zam Zam water
My kid isn't a food wimp
Samuel wasn't picky, he has an allergy that feels like pouring acid down your throat.
22 August
The August issue of the Food Intolerance and Food Allergy
Newsletter is now online.
View the August Issue
Find out how to subscribe
20 August
New article added to the site:
Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Tests
18 August
In the news:
Charity seeks end to lunchbox ham
Parents have been urged not to put ham and other smoked, salted or cured meat into their children's lunchboxes to help them reduce the risk of cancer.
Swine flu jab link to killer nerve disease
Leaked letter reveals concern of neurologists over 25 deaths in America. It tells the neurologists that they must be alert for an increase in a brain disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which could be triggered by the vaccine.
Food additive blamed in fatal Truro accident
Did Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) contribute to a road accident?
12 August
New link added:
10 August
Two new articles added to the site:
06 August
New research updates added:
03 August
In the news:
Hot dog manufacturers sued over cancer risk!
EPA Grant to University of Chicago for Research on Food Allergy Triggers
Food Allergy Researchers Find Links, But Mysteries Remain
Scientists are uncovering links between food and other allergens, such as pollen and dust, by looking at “regional anomalies” among allergens and the connections between allergen proteins.
Huge differences in salt levels found in global food brands
02 August
New links added to the site:
July 2009
30 July
I have started a new category in the Links section called Healthy Eating - all the sites are UK and you can buy a range of organic and health foods directly from them.
25 July
The July issue of the Food Intolerance and Food Allergy
Newsletter is now online.
View the July Issue
Find out how to subscribe
24 July
New research update added:
22 July
The newly revised and updated Food Diary is now available and its free...
21 July
New True Story added to the site:
Hannah's Story: Dairy, Oats, Onions...
14 July
New book review added to the site:
The Complete Book of Food Combining:
A New, Easy-to-Use Guide to the Most Successful Diet Ever
Kathryn Marsden
8 July
New research updates added to the site:
Food-Induced Anaphylaxis in Italy
3 July
Views wanted on honeybee venom
A New Zealand company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market the venom from the honeybee as a novel food ingredient. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.
Any comments on this application should be emailed to the ACNFP Secretariat at acnfp@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk by Thursday 23 July 2009. The comments will be passed to the Committee when it begins its assessment of this novel food ingredient.
2 July
In the News:
Study confirms increase in wheat gluten disorder
Blood samples from '50s show it isn't just improved diagnosis, and researchers wonder if diet is a factor
June 2009
30th June
In the news:
Aspartame study to begin
The Food Standards Agency is to begin a new study looking at aspartame. The research will focus on people who have reported bad reactions to the artificial sweetener.
For more details click on the link above.
27th June
Links to other web sites added today:
Pick Your Own
Find a pick your own farm near you! This website provides local listings of pick your own (also called U-pick or PYO) farms in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other countries.
Truth in Labelling
“The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about MSG.”
24th June
Article from the newsletter added to the site:
23rd June
In the news:
MRSA infected foods safe to eat, says EFSA
The superbug meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is able to infect food but eating or handling tainted produce does not present an increased health hazard to humans, a new report has said.
Campaign launched to tackle rise in over 60s food poisoning
The Food Standards Agency is warning older people about the life-threatening danger of listeria food poisoning and the simple steps that can be taken to avoid it. The number of cases of listeria in people over 60 years of age has doubled in the past nine years. And one in three of the people who get food poisoning caused by listeria die as a result.
22nd June
The June issue of the Food Intolerance and Food Allergy
Newsletter is now online.
View the June Issue
Find out how to subscribe
20th June
New Research Updates on the site:
Barley Starch Syrup and Cereal Allergies
19th June
In the News:
Concern at food allergy ‘epidemic’
Call for action after figures reveal high number of children admitted to hospital in Grampian
(Scotland).
Hair dye allergy left woman looking like 'Elephant Woman'
A woman was rushed to hospital after an allergic reaction to a hair dye.
Allergy causes school banana ban
Children at a school in Plymouth have been told not to bring in bananas because a member of staff is allergic to them.
Revealed: Secret allergy triggers
You could blame weeds, trees, and grasses if you start itching, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing this fall. But the usual suspects aren't the only triggers.
Gut feelings about food
Why have so many people adopted a gluten-free way of life?
13th June
New research update added to the site:
6th June
New article added to the site:
1st June
In the News:
When allergies run in the family
Red Bull's New Cola: A Kick from Cocaine?
May 2009
28th May
New links added:
Ethical Superstore
I can personally recommend this UK company - I love the range of health foods they
sell and customer service is excellent.
Allergic Child
Supporting families and communities dealing with severe food allergies.
Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century
A charity set up to inform the public about homeopathy and its relation to orthodox medicine.
Homeopathy in the UK is at risk, right now. If you want freedom to choose,
visit
Homeopathy Worked For Me.
27th May
The May issue of the Food Intolerance and Food Allergy
Newsletter is now online.
View the May Issue
Find out how to subscribe
26th May
New Research Update:
23rd May
In the News:
Alternative allergy test deceptive, says ACCC
The Australian consumer watchdog has launched urgent legal action against a chain of alternative allergy treatment clinics, accusing it of false, misleading and deceptive conduct.
The UK Food Standards Agency reported that some restaurants and caterers are to display calories on menus.
Quite honestly I’d prefer it if they displayed the ingredients in full.
Spice mix contaminated with Sudan I
Sudan I dye is a red dye that is used for colouring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol, and shoe and floor polishes. It is not allowed to be added to food in the UK and the rest of the European Union.
12th May
New Article added to the site:
Water Allergy (Aquagenic Urticaria)
11th May
New links added:
World Health Organisation
Lots of information on health issues that affect us all including the
latest news on influenza A(H1N1).
Healthy Eating
Provides information on Healthy Eating Books and DVDs
10th May
Great news! I am restarting the Food Intolerance and Food Allergy Newsletter. The newsletter will, initially, be mailed out monthly. You can find out more on the main newsletter page or you can subscribe straight away - click the subscribe button and send a blank email.
5th May
In the News:
New Data Analysis Shows Possible Link between Childhood Obesity and Allergies
Allergy fears turn Kiwis off national fruit
Tick bite, red meat allergy link 'found'
Folic Acid Might Offer Allergy Relief
Allergy Symptoms Raise Concerns About Swine Flu For A Significant Population Recent research conducted within the allergy community shows that seasonal allergy sufferers are worried that they are unable to distinguish between allergy symptoms and the swine flu.
1st May
Great news - there is now a 20% discount on eBook purchases if you buy more than 1 book. Browse the bookshop.
April 2009
28th April
New book added to the site:
Antioxidants: The truth about BHA, BHT, TBHQ and other antioxidants used as food additives.
26th April
Man died an hour after being treated for peanut allergy
Water Allergy - this a very rare condition but an
extremely debilitating one as the article below demonstrates:
Mother's allergy to water means she can't drink, bathe or wipe away her son's tears
22nd April
Milk Allergy - new research update added to the site
17th April
In the News:
'The tiniest piece of celery can leave me gasping for breath': Rising number of children allergic to fruit and vegetables.
Anyone with a Salicylate sensitivity may be interested
in this article:
Aspirin may cause bleeding in the brain, claim researchers
12th April
Egg Allergy - new research update added to the site
10th April
In the news:
Oral allergy syndrome may explain mysterious reactions
"Have you ever experienced itchiness or hives in your mouth area after eating raw fruit or vegetables? Do you also have seasonal allergies?
If so, you may have oral allergy syndrome, whose symptoms occur because the proteins in some fruits and vegetables are similar to proteins in some pollens. "
Journal of Food Science reports New Gluten Free French bread Underway for Celiac Disease Patients
1st April
In the News:
How metals in food impact children's behaviour
The contamination of food with certain metals needs to be urgently addressed in light of growing evidence linking trace elements to negative human behaviour, according to a lead researcher in the field.
Müller told to cease misleading 'natural' ads
Dairy firm Müller Dairy UK must withdraw TV and print ads for a brand of its children’s yoghurt products after the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that they made misleading ‘natural’ claims.
Deadly turmeric supplements recalled
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a product recall for two brands of anti-inflammatory turmeric food supplements found to be contaminated with the prohibited drug, nimesulide.
March 2009
28th March
In the News:
Allergen Labels May Not Predict Food Content
Allergen advisory labels are a poor guide to whether the food inside the package may cause reactions in consumers with food allergies.
27th March
New link added:
24th March
New link added:
Hyperactive Children's Support Group
18th March
In the news:
Blood Tests for Food Allergy Found Inaccurate
Sesame Allergies on the Rise in U.S.
Sesame Seed Allergy Now Among Most Common Food Allergies
Does organic produce need to be washed?
Baby bottle chemical is removed
The latest on BPA
Active brand peanut butter contaminated with excess levels of aflatoxins
Active brand peanut butter has been found to be contaminated with excess levels of aflatoxins. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Action advising local authorities that if any of these products are found during routine inspections, local authority food law enforcement officers should ensure the products are withdrawn from sale and destroyed.
16th March
More book reviews reinstated on the site:
Sweet Poison: How the World's Most Popular Artificial Sweetener is Harming Us
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A practical A-Z reference to drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs and food supplements.
The Foodwatch Alternative Cookbook
11th March
New on the site:
Article on Fenugreek
Research updates:
Childhood Asthma and Viral Infections
9th March
I am in the process of reinstating the Book Reviews section on the site. Today I have added reviews for the following books:
Against the Grain: The slightly eccentric guide to living well without gluten or wheat Jax Peters Lowell
Biochemical Individuality by Roger Williams
Brain Allergies: The Psychonutrient and Magnetic Connections by William H. Philpott, Dwight K. Kalita
The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry is Destroying our Brains and Harming our Children by Carol Simontacchi
Was It Something You Ate? Food intolerance: what causes it and how to avoid it by John Emsley and Peter Fell
1st March
In the news:
Reyes Foundation Reminds Of Aspirin, Reye's Syndrome Link
The National Reye's Syndrome Foundation wants to remind parents, teachers, and medical professionals about keeping in mind that research has shown an association between the development of Reye's Syndrome and the use of aspirin (a salicylate compound) for treating the symptoms of influenza-like illnesses, (Flu) chicken pox, colds, etc.
Acrylamide may be added to Canada’s toxic substance list
Health Canada has recommended that acrylamide – a possible carcinogen found in French fries and potato chips – be included on the nation’s list of toxic substances.
The peanut detectives
Fascinating article about how Kinnerton Confectionery is able to produce
confectionery that really is nut free.
February 2009
22nd February
I have include a list of recommended books by other authors on the site that are available via Amazon:
20th February 2009
In the news:
Hope over peanut allergy 'cure'
A group of children with peanut allergies have had their condition effectively cured, doctors believe.
Iceland recalls cocktail sausage rolls
Iceland has recalled some of its cocktail sausage rolls because some
packs may contain Cheese & Onion Rolls instead of Cocktail Sausage
Rolls. This means the product could be a possible health risk for people
with an allergy or intolerance to celery, gluten (wheat), milk, mustard
and/or sulphites.
More foodborne illnesses on horizon, says risk expert [Audio news]
Is the US food safety system really 'in the soup'? Dr Sandford Miller, with a long standing career focused on risk analysis and food, talks to FoodProductionDaily.com about the recent peanut paste recall, the potential for future foodborne illnesses and the evident weaknesses in federal regulation.
Tainted formula passed tests pre export, says manufacturer
Health and safety officials in South Korea said that they found a meningitis causing bacteria in a French baby formula product but the company in question said the product was deemed safe following tests.
Green groups call for mercury labelling of fish
Environmental NGOs have called for fish and seafood products to carry labels indicating their level of mercury content, claiming that eating fish can be "hazardous".
18th February 2009
New Article added to the site:
Food Contaminants - Article
16th February 2009
Research Updates added to the site:
6th February 2009
In the news:
DIOXIN FOUND IN MILK
Milk from two dairy farms in Northern Ireland has been stopped from entering the food chain following test results that show dioxin levels above legal limits.
Questions and Answers about Melamine as a Contaminant in Food
The Problem With Testing For Food Allergies
Instead of administering lengthy food challenges—in which doctors watch children consume a whole variety of foods—most doctors now test for allergies by giving kids a blood test for certain antibodies. The problem is that this test falsely identifies allergies more than half of the time.
A Food Intolerance Clinic In Every GP Practice?
A program to train practice nurses to run food intolerance clinics in every GP practice, based on a three year research project at the University of Surrey, was launched on Friday January 30, by FAIR the Foundation for Allergy Information Research.
Companies join voluntary ban on colours associated with hyperactivity
The Food Standards Agency site with information on the voluntary ban and
some of the companies who are participating.
1st February 2009
Added to the site:
Linda' story - Salicylates and amines
Movement Disorders - links with food intolerance
In the News:
Higher asthma rates linked to fast food
Avoiding peanut butter won't solve salmonella problem
Change in Gluten labelling for the UK