Pancake day is a staple in many households across the UK, but for people who suffer from food allergies, it’s a bit more of a minefield. Pancakes themselves mainly consist of egg and milk, and both of these appear on the Anaphylaxis Campaign’s list of 14 major allergens, and this is without factoring in the toppings!
Many of the UK’s popular pancake toppings also consist of allergens:
1. Lemon and Sugar
Whilst this doesn’t explicitly contain allergens from the list of 14, according to the Anaphylaxis Campaign, fresh fruit is a recurring allergy. Pollen Food Syndrome, is also thought to be set off by certain fruits or vegetables, as the proteins in pollen are thought to be like those in fruit and vegetables.
2. Bacon and Syrup
Although there are no meats present on the table, an allergy to sulphites appears on the list. Sulphites are preservatives added to food and drinks, which extend their shelf life, however, they can also cause allergic reaction for these who are sensitive. Sulphites are present in a vast range of foods, including processed meat, like bacon.
3. Nutella
It’s right there in the name. Hazelnuts are a key ingredient in this popular breakfast spread! Hazelnuts are tree-nuts, which are an extremely common allergen, and present in the list of 14 common allergens by the Anaphylaxis campaign.
Why are Allergens Important in the Food Industry?
As we have just demonstrated, a food-related holiday can’t pass without those with allergens being impacted. Ingesting food for which you have an allergy can result in Anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. Therefore, food organisations have a responsibility to accurately communicate the ingredients of their products, with emphasis placed on any allergens from the list of 14. If inaccurate information is given to someone with an allergen, because of data-entry errors or outdated information, it could be extremely dangerous. Therefore, allergens are an incredibly important consideration for the food industry.
The more accuracy, the batter! Implement ARCUS® Product Information Management (PIM)!
ARCUS® Product Information Management (PIM) allows companies to collect accurate product information from their suppliers, who can enter information directly into the system to reduce risks surrounding re-keying errors. The software also integrates with recipe management systems to push data from one system to another, allowing for a more streamlined process.
To learn more about ARCUS® PIM, have a look at our video.