The Australian Government has launched a new website portal that provides links to best practice information on managing food allergies. The launch coincides with Food Allergy Awareness Week, which runs globally from 12-18 May 2013.
The portal is a result of collaboration between Government, industry and consumer representatives and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Shayne Neummann, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing launched the new website portal, saying that it would provide different sectors in the community, including consumers, industry, schools, medical professionals and government, with links to best practice food allergy resources.
“It will allow important allergen information to be picked up by stakeholders and promoted in cost-effective was, such as through social media, existing newsletter, and email subscription lists to individual stakeholder groups,” Mr Neummann said.
“It’s an important addition to the suite of tools available in promoting awareness about food allergies and how to manage them,” Mr Neummann added.
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.
The Allergen Collaboration includes the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), the AFGC Allergen Forum, the Allergen Bureau, the Food and Beverage Importers Association, Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, the Australian Hotels Association, Restaurant and Catering Australia, Woolworths, Coles, Metcash Limited and Aldi Australia.
The food allergy website portal is available athttp://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/foodallergenportal/
