Participate in a survey and share your experiences in navigating safe food choices for you or your child. Plus, read the latest research on diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and the recommendations for safer second-generation antihistamines.
Research: Your voice matters: Participate in a research study on navigating safe food choices for you or your child
We are proud to be part of a global task force with the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) to better understand the challenges faced by individuals and families living with food allergy.
By participating in this quick online survey, your insights will be invaluable in understanding the real-life challenges and concerns that families and individuals face when trying to stay safe.
This research will help guide the development of future outreach, and educational and support strategies to address unmet needs. Your experience can help us create meaningful change that will benefit the entire food allergy community.
Take the survey now and make your voice heard!
Below, the research team shares more details on the study and how you can participate.
From the research team
We are inviting you to take part in the Survey ‘Keeping safe with food allergy’. It should take 10-30 minutes to complete.
People with food allergy need to avoid the food(s) they are allergic to in order to keep safe. Along with being prepared to deal with potentially serious allergic reactions, making safe food choices is a key part of food allergy management. This can be a daily challenge as many life situations involve food and there are limitations in food labelling and in awareness of food allergy in the community. As a consequence, accidental exposures to food can occur and cause reactions, which can be serious in some people.
A group of healthcare professionals and patient representatives have created a Task Force on Food Allergen Ingestion Risk (‘FAIR’) within the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). This Task Force is working to better understand the challenges and needs of patients and families living with food allergies when trying to make safe food choices. The ultimate aim of this Task Force is to help make things safer for people living with food allergy.
Please fill in the survey and share your experience in navigating safe food choices for you or your child.
Your involvement is invaluable, and by participating, you are contributing to a safer and more inclusive future.
Research: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®): It is time to say a final goodbye
A recent study highlights concerns about diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine widely used in allergy, cold, and sleep medications.
Despite its long history, research shows it has a higher risk of abuse potential and adverse effects, particularly among children and older adults. The researchers believe it has reached the end of its life cycle and recommend that it no longer be widely prescribed or available over the counter.
Check out the full study to learn more and watch our webinar for a deeper dive into second-generation anti-histamines.
Read the details of the study: “Diphenhydramine: It is time to say a final goodbye”.
This webinar recorded in September 2023 provides a great overview of newer generation antihistamines.
Mythbuster: Is dark chocolate safe for someone with a milk allergy?
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we are re-sharing a mythbuster on dark chocolate and if it’s safe for someone with milk allergy.
FACT: No, not necessarily. While pure dark chocolate is supposed to be made without milk or milk products, not all dark chocolate is considered pure or produced in the same way. Plus, dark chocolate may be produced in the same facility or on the same equipment that makes milk chocolate, and cross-contamination can occur. Always read the list of ingredients and any “may contain” statements for milk on all dark chocolate products you’re thinking about buying. Additionally, contact the manufacturer with any questions you may have about how products have been made.
Note for those allergic to milk and considering vegan options: Pure dark chocolate may be appropriate for vegans, as by definition it’s supposed to be made without milk/milk products. However, not all dark chocolate products may be safe options for those with a milk allergy, and may be labelled with a ‘may contain milk’ statement. Remember to read the list of ingredients and “may contain” statements and contact the manufacturer with any questions.
Help us educate your communities and share this mythbuster with them! Find more mythbusters at foodallergycanada.ca/mythbusters.
Tags: Benadryl, diphenhydramine, mythbuster, Research