Allergy experts are calling for new allergens to be added to the UK and EU’s official ‘Top 14’ list, after research revealed a rise in severe allergic reactions to pine nuts, goat’s milk, buckwheat, peas and lentils.
Entrepreneur and allergy advocate Julianne Ponan MBE, founder of award-winning top 14 allergen free-from brand Creative Nature, is backing the call after suffering life-threatening reactions to several of these emerging allergens herself.
Food packaging in the UK and Europe currently lists 14 of the most common allergens including peanuts, sesame, eggs, gluten, milk and tree nuts, but the list has not been updated in over a decade. Julianne, and many others, are also very allergic to other foods and it’s possible that the list may be extended.
A recent article in the Clinical & Experimental Allergy journal, led by Dr Dominique Sabouraud-Leclerc of the Allergy Vigilance Network, concluded that evidence of increasing reactions meant the time had come to review the list and consider adding “at least the most severe of these emerging food allergens.”
Julianne, who is severely allergic to pine nuts, buckwheat, chick peas and lentils, has first-hand experience of the dangers of these foods.
“I once had a severe reaction after eating bread that contained buckwheat. The packaging stated it had none of the top 14 allergens and technically it didn’t as buckwheat does not have to be listed but within minutes my lips swelled, my breathing became restricted and I came close to collapsing. The feeling is hard to describe, it’s as if a pillow has been put over your mouth and nose, you literally feel like you are suffocating.
“Without my auto-injector that situation can be fatal in just three minutes. This is why clearer, updated allergen labelling is urgently needed.”
Buckwheat, often used in vegan and gluten-free products, has become a growingly popular substitute in baking mixes and breads. Yet it remains outside the mandatory top 14 allergen, labelling list, leaving people like Julianne vulnerable.
Julianne said “When we developed our flour blend at Creative Nature, we made sure buckwheat was not included because of the risk it poses to people like me. Brands and manufacturers need to think inclusively about allergy safety, but we also need legislation to support that.”
Experts say that updating the list of recognised allergens would be a landmark moment in food safety, helping millions of people across the UK and Europe who live with allergies which are on the rise.
Creative Nature’s range includes snack bars, baking mixes, sweet treats and superfoods. Products are available in major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado, high street retailers such as TK Maxx and Holland & Barrett, and through a growing number of international partners. To learn more about Julianne and Creative Nature, visit: