Allergen Bureau - Latest News and Events

NMI allergen detection workshops: 22 � 29th June 2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:27:23 +0100

This week, The National Measurement Institute will be conducting two-day workshops in Sydney and Melbourne, and evening information sessions in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The sessions aim to increase awareness of allergen detection issues and discuss associated technical measurement issues. For online registration, go to: www.foodallergendetectionworkshops.com.au/ (http://www.foodallergendetectionworkshops.com.au/)

VITAL Review Group formed

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:25:04 +0100

A VITAL Review Group has been established to oversee the review of the science underpinning the VITAL grid and to complete the VITAL Review. The group will also revise VITAL tools (calculator, FAQs, worked examples) and other supporting information, such as training documents, in line with amendments to the VITAL process as a result of the review. The review project is expected to be finalised by February 2010, with the VITAL procedure and VITAL tools being launched on the website at that time.

Coles lowers the cost of being gluten free

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:23:07 +0100

Financial members of the Coeliac Society of Australia for 2009/10 will be issued with an exclusive member discount card which will provide monthly discounts on selected gluten free items at Coles stores. Monthly discounts will be offered to members for the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010, and will not be available to the general public. The gluten free products discounted for members in Coles stores nationally will be advertised on the Coeliac Society of Australia website: www.coeliac.org.au/Coles.html (http://www.coeliac.org.au/Coles.html)

Fonterra adds milk protein to water

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:21:56 +0100

�Whole�, the new bottled water product developed by Fonterra utilises Fonterra Ingredients� ClearProtein�, a whey protein isolate developed at the Fonterra Research Centre in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Due to its milk content, Fonterra have advised the drink is not suitable for anyone with cow's milk allergy.

NZ allergy inquest

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:40:24 +0100

A coroner's inquest has begun in Auckland to investigate the death of a man two years ago as a result of a suspected allergic reaction to food. The man was attending a work dinner at a cafe and had told cafe staff beforehand about his multiple known food allergies. He was given a specially-prepared meal but despite this he suffered what appeared to be a severe allergic reaction, collapsing 10 minutes after eating a tomato entree. He died two days later.

Protein allergenicity workshop

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:38:57 +0100

The Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI) is a nonprofit institution whose mission is to stimulate and support scientific research and educational programs that contribute to the identification and resolution of health and environmental issues of concern to the public, scientific community, government agencies, and industry. The HESI Protein Allergenicity Technical Committee will hold a two-day workshop on November 16-17, 2009 in Paris, France. Go to the HESI (http://www.hesiglobal.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=3437) for more information.

Linking childhood food allergies to obesity

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:34:34 +0100

Results of research by a team from the University of North Carolina have suggested that obese children and adolescents are about 26% more likely to have allergies, especially food allergies, than children of normal weight.

MSG�s role in allergies reviewed

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:33:19 +0100

A new review from the USA has concluded the flavour enhancer, monosodium glutamate (MSG), does not increase the risk of developing allergies, such as asthma and rhinitis. The report investigated whether there was a scientific basis for long-held concerns centred on indications that MSG may worsen asthmatic symptoms.

Managing milk allergy: Avoid, or consume regularly?

Mon, 25 May 2009 10:56:44 +0100

There is growing evidence that regular oral exposure to gradually-increasing amounts of an allergenic food can lead to a desensitised state in food-allergic children. Researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, have conducted a review to examine whether the best pathway to developing tolerance to milk is via complete avoidance or by regular intentional exposure.

NZ allergist shortage causing health risks

Mon, 25 May 2009 10:55:24 +0100

The current number of allergy and immunology specialists per head of population in New Zealand has been found to be well below international benchmarks and is said to be inadequate to manage the burden of the disease. Allergy New Zealand expressed their concerns during the 2009 Allergy Awareness Week (17-23rd May), saying this shortage is likely to lead to self-diagnosis, or cause people to turn to unconventional medicine, both of which were potentially life-threatening if true food allergy is present.