Learn about our advocacy efforts at the Global Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Forum, and with our ongoing advocacy in foodservice. Get the latest news on Aquestive’s sublingual film for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Check out our research reminder on a study that shows a higher risk of peanut- and unknown nut-related anaphylaxis during Halloween. Plus, check out our Halloween themed mythbuster!
Advocacy in action: Bringing your voice to the global table
We are proud to have participated in the Global Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Forum (GAFA 2025) last month. This international event brings together leading clinicians, researchers, and advocates to share the latest developments in food allergy diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Our Executive Director, Jennifer Gerdts, spoke in the food allergy treatment session on milk allergy and the patient perspective. She highlighted the significant burden for patients, including the difficulty of avoiding milk as a common ingredient and the lack of public understanding—often confusing milk allergy with lactose intolerance. She emphasized the need for effective treatments to reduce risks and ease the challenges of daily management.
Our participation highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring that patient voices and lived experiences help shape the future of food allergy care worldwide.
Advocacy in action: Connecting with foodservice and public health leaders
In September, our team attended four major conferences in the foodservice and public health sectors, connecting with hundreds of restaurant operators and Canadian Public Health Inspectors from across the country.
We highlighted the importance of allergen management processes and shared our research articles, Recipe for Success (our industry report on food allergy within the foodservice sector), and Think Food Allergy resources to help translate food allergy awareness into practical action.
Our team also took part in an industry panel discussion and delivered two lectures to both operators and Public Health Inspectors, emphasizing how strong food safety and allergen management practices are essential to protecting the health and well-being of individuals living with food allergy.
We’re continuing to spark meaningful conversations and strengthen awareness across the foodservice and public health communities, helping to create safer environments for all.
Research: FDA will not require an advisory committee meeting for Anaphylm™ — sublingual epinephrine treatment for anaphylaxis
Aquestive Therapeutics has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not require an advisory committee meeting to review their new drug application for Anaphylm™, an under-the-tongue epinephrine film for the treatment of anaphylaxis. This decision signals a potentially faster pathway to access a new option in managing severe allergic reactions.
We know that timely access to epinephrine is critical in the treatment of anaphylaxis. Our advocacy efforts have long focused on improving awareness, accessibility, and equity in treatment options, ensuring that regulatory and policy decisions prioritize patient safety and needs.
While Anaphylm™ is still under review in the U.S., developments like this highlight the importance of continued collaboration between patient organizations, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies.
We will continue to share updates on new treatment options available internationally and on our advocacy efforts for access to all epinephrine delivery options in Canada.
Research reminder: Higher risk of peanut- and unknown nut-related anaphylaxis during Halloween and Easter
A past Canadian study finds a significant increase in cases of peanut and unknown nut anaphylaxis among children during Halloween and Easter. For this study, cases of anaphylaxis during six holidays (Halloween, Easter, Christmas, Diwali, Chinese New Year and Eid al-Adha) were reviewed in comparison to other days of the year.
For peanut-related anaphylaxis, there was an 85% increase in average daily cases at Halloween and a 60% increase at Easter. For these two holidays, a 70% increase was noted for anaphylaxis caused by unknown nuts (instances when it was unclear if the trigger was peanut or tree nuts).
The study notes that the difference in anaphylaxis incidence may have been due to the social setting of the holiday. At Halloween and Easter, children often receive candies/treats from people who may not be aware of their food allergies, in contrast to Christmas celebrations among family and friends who are more vigilant about allergen exposure.
Another factor may be product labelling, as some “snack” size candies/treats do not provide a full ingredient list. This research points to the importance of anaphylaxis education and the need to follow safety practices like label reading.
To help you and your family have a great Halloween, check out our tips below.
Mythbuster: Do trick-or-treat sized candies/chocolates always have the same ingredient list as the full-sized versions?
FACT: Trick-or-treat sized candies and chocolates may not always have the same ingredient list as the full-sized product.
Many companies create a Halloween edition of their products, usually a smaller sized version of the product, which can sometimes be distinguished by different packaging with fun Halloween colours and/or designs. Although the product itself may look the same, the ingredients may differ from the full-sized version, as the Halloween version may be manufactured in a different facility. It is important to read the ingredient label carefully from start to finish, including any “may contain” statements, on all product sizes and versions, even if it has been “safe” in the past. Learn how to do the “triple check” and call manufacturers directly if you have any questions on the product ingredients.
Find more tips for reading food labels, and learn how to do the triple check.
Help us educate your communities and share this mythbuster with them! Find more mythbusters at foodallergycanada.ca/mythbusters.
Tags: advocacy, Anaphylm, foodservice, GAFA, Global Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Forum, Halloween, mythbuster, peanut allergy, Research, tree nut allergy