Farron Fights for Allergy Awareness

4.29.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th Jul 2008

Local MP Tim Farron has called for restaurants to be more aware about the contents of their menus after he was contacted by a constituent who raised concerns about the problems of eating out facing food allergy sufferers.

Mr Farron has called for restaurants to be more aware about the contents of their menus after it was revealed that the number of people suffering from food allergies has trebled in the last twenty years.

Mr Farron tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons praising the research conducted by the Food Standards Agency to improve food allergy awareness amongst chefs and caterers.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"It's worrying that despite labelling products six thousand people were last year admitted to hospital as a result of food allergies.

"For allergy sufferers not knowing what is in their food is not inconvenient; but dangerous.

"I'm delighted that the FSA are raising awareness about this issue. It's important that food allergy sufferers should be able to enjoy the experience of eating out free from concern".