People with food allergies are unusually sensitive to particular foods. An allergic reaction to a food can be mild such as mouth irritation or a more severe reaction known as anaphylactic shock which can potentially be life threatening. True food allergy only affects a very small number of people although there now seems to be a trend of ‘self diagnosis’. However, caters must accept and provide the necessary information for anyone that asks about allergy.
Food intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest a particular food properly. Intolerance to a food is not the same as a food allergy because the immune system is not involved. Symptoms can include nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and headaches.
Anyone concerned they may have a food allergy or intolerance should seek advice from their GP.
