Serve Legal was delighted to attend Anaphylaxis UK’s Business Symposium on December 4, 2023, in London—an event shedding light on the pressing challenges surrounding allergy safety. Here is a glimpse into the insightful discussions and crucial takeaways that the Serve Legal team took from their attendance at the symposium.
Understanding the Allergy Landscape
The symposium began by emphasizing the alarming rate in allergies among children, with a prevalence of 2-3%, surpassing the 1% rate in adults. The highest age group for intensive care admissions related to allergic reactions was noted to fall within the 15-30 age range, highlighting the critical need for heightened awareness and effective measures across the industry within this age group.
Serve Legal’s CEAA (Customer Experience Allergen Audits) aim to stress-test exactly this problem. Through a robust and bespoke test of how staff communicate and care for customers who are vulnerable to allergies, we can provide retailers with the understanding that their staff have on the ground and where they may be in need of further training. These tests ensure that when people with allergies attend the food establishment, they can be assured by the due diligence of the wider business and the training of the staff member to support them as best as possible.
Striking the Right Balance
Finding the 'sweet spot' emerged as a crucial theme—nurturing self-efficacy in individuals managing their allergies while fostering awareness of the potential risks. This balance is pivotal to empower those with allergies to confidently navigate their surroundings and not feel confined by their allergies.
Key Challenges Faced by People with Allergies
Insights from Clare Bristow and the Sadie Bristow Foundation
Clare Bristow, representing the Sadie Bristow Foundation, emphasised the imperative nature of communication in staff support for customers with allergies. Serve Legal acknowledge how for such a fast paced industry as hospitality, maintaining and training staff is a challenge which can result in gaps in knowledge. This insight reinforced the human aspect of allergy management, ensuring each customer is heard to ensure the best repour is created between the server and customer.
Upcoming Regulatory Changes
Trading Standards Involvement:A Stellar Event and Closing Thoughts
The symposium, expertly curated by Simon Williams of Anaphylaxis UK, provided a holistic view of the challenges faced by individuals with serious allergies. Insights from industry wide speakers contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing efforts to better support this community.
Serve Legal remains committed to championing awareness, fostering empathy, and providing practical solutions to create safer spaces for everyone, especially those managing allergies. As we reflect on the symposium, the collective resolve to address these challenges and drive positive change is stronger than ever.
To enquire further about our Customer Experience Allergen Audits, or our wider compliance services, get in touch via businessenquiries@servelegal.co.uk.