JERSEY will host the Channel Islands’ first ever Food Allergy Conference in November amid delays in introducing local regulations on potentially life-saving food labelling and allergen information.
The conference, organised by the Jersey Food Allergy Group, is due to be held on Monday 18 November from 8.30am to 3pm at Banjo restaurant in St Helier.
Established in 2023, the group is hosting the event in response to growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of allergies, and the significant challenges faced by local patients and their families.
They are bringing together world-leading medical professionals, charitable organisations, industry experts, food allergy advocates, and those with lived experience, to raise public awareness, highlight the latest research, and propose strategies to improve the lives of those affected by food allergies in the Island.
Discussions will also contribute to the ongoing debate on policy formation and legislation surrounding food allergies in Jersey.
Environment Minister Steve Luce recently revealed that allergen-labelling laws for Jersey hospitality businesses and other food providers were due to be debated in the States Assembly next year, after these were first promised in 2022.
Deputy Luce said the departure of “specialist staff” in this area had led to the delays.
Dominic Jones and Neva Richardson, founders of Jersey Food Allergy Group who both have young children with severe food allergies, criticised how long it has taken to bring the legislation to the Assembly when the UK adopted allergen-labelling laws in 2021.
They said: “This conference will be a powerful platform to share knowledge, challenge misconceptions, and propose solutions that will help make daily life safer and easier for people living with food allergies in Jersey, as well as those visiting the Island.”
They added: “Jersey is so behind the UK in terms of regulations around food labelling and allergen information, which can make the Island a really difficult place for food-allergy sufferers to live safely.
“We’re hopeful that this conference will help to highlight the issue of food allergies in Jersey; the practical, economic and social implications of allergies; the need for regulation so those with allergies can buy foods, drinks, and dine out safely; and will contribute to positive change for local allergy sufferers and their families.”
Topics under discussion include the latest advancements in allergy treatment, prevention strategies, and psychological support for patients and families, to practical solutions for businesses and schools to accommodate those with food allergies.
The agenda also includes sessions on food-safety regulations in the UK, Ireland, and the EU, and the growing role of hospitality in managing food-allergy risks.
Members of the Jersey Food Allergy Group will share their experiences of what it is like living in the Island with food allergies – including one story of being hospitalised due to mistaken exposure to allergens.
