A recent study conducted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), in collaboration with The University of Manchester and other partners, sheds light on the prevalence of food allergies among adults in the United Kingdom. Published under the title Patterns and Prevalence of Adult Food Allergy (PAFA), the report presents findings from a comprehensive investigation into the occurrence of food hypersensitivity in the adult population.
According to the PAFA project, over 30% of adults in the UK report experiencing symptoms of food hypersensitivity, encompassing various adverse reactions triggered by specific food consumption. This includes conditions such as food allergies, food intolerances, and coeliac disease. Upon clinical assessment, it was revealed that approximately 6% of UK adults have a confirmed diagnosis of a food allergy, amounting to an estimated 2.4 million individuals across the country.
The study further identifies certain food items as more likely to elicit allergic responses among UK adults. Peanuts and tree nuts, including hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds, emerge as common allergens. Additionally, allergies to fresh fruits such as apples, peaches, and kiwi fruits were noted, particularly in association with birch pollen allergies, also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome. Conversely, allergies to foods like milk, fish, shrimp, and mussels were found to be relatively rare.
Furthermore, the research highlights the persistence of childhood food allergies into early adulthood, with a subsequent increase observed in later adulthood, indicating a significant portion of food allergies developing during adulthood.
Commenting on the findings, Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor at the Food Standards Agency, underscores the importance of the PAFA report in understanding the evolution of food allergies across different stages of life. He emphasizes the need for continued efforts in allergen labelling to ensure the safety of consumers living with food allergies, particularly amidst the growing adoption of plant-based diets and alternative proteins in the food system. The FSA reaffirms its commitment to facilitating clear and accurate allergen labelling to support individuals managing food allergies in the UK, drawing upon insights from the PAFA report to inform future initiatives in this area.
