New food allergies website portal

A new website portal that provides links to best practice information on managing food allergies was launched yesterday.

Representatives from government, industry, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and consumer groups worked together to create the portal.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Shayne Neumann, said the launch was timely as itwass happening in the week leading up to Food Allergy Week, which begins May 13.

“The portal provides different sectors in the community—such as consumers, industry, schools, medical professionals and government—with links to best practice food allergy resources,” Mr Neumann said.

“It will allow important allergen information to be picked up by stakeholders and promoted in cost effective ways, such as through social media, existing newsletters, and email subscription lists to individual stakeholder groups.

“It’s an important addition to the suite of tools available in promoting awareness about food allergies and how to manage them.”

The portal, which can be found on the FSANZ website, was developed by the Allergen Collaboration. The Allergen Collaboration was established by FSANZ in late 2011 to strengthen engagement and collaboration among a range of stakeholders involved in managing food allergens.

“With this portal the Allergen Collaboration is aiming to improve awareness by providing consistent, accurate and clear information about allergen management to all stakeholders,” Mr Neumann said.

“The portal also means new best practice resources can be promoted, filling gaps in information and education materials.”