Share your voice by completing our short survey on allergen labelling. Learn about our advocacy in foodservice where we’ve partnered with public health departments, and about our advocacy with government in recognizing food allergy as a chronic disease that can be prevented with early interventions. We’re also honouring the 20th anniversary of Sabrina’s Law and its lasting impact on allergy safety in schools. Plus, don’t miss our mythbuster: Do allergic reactions always happen within minutes of eating?
Advocacy in action: Understanding allergen labelling and unexpected reactions

Accurate food allergen labelling is essential for the daily management of food allergy. Clear and reliable labels help individuals make safe and informed choices. However, allergens can sometimes appear in unexpected products.
We’re gathering information to better understand which products may be causing unexpected allergic reactions. Take our 2-question survey to provide your input.
By sharing your experiences, you’ll help us identify patterns and potential concerns in food labelling or formulations, which will inform our advocacy efforts.
Take the survey by June 30th and thank you in advance for sharing your experiences.
Advocacy in action: Strengthening collaboration with public health to advance food allergy education and awareness.

Last month, we engaged several public health departments to provide targeted education on food allergy and explore ways Public Health Inspectors can champion awareness through their roles. Two Ontario public health units also partnered with us to amplify our Know It. Treat It. campaign by sharing key messaging on their social media channels.
Additionally, we were invited to present at the Ontario Ministry of Health’s provincial meeting with environmental health directors and managers. In this meeting, we highlighted the critical importance of food allergy awareness in foodservice establishments and shared how we are working with both public health and industry partners to help safeguard the 3 million Canadians impacted by food allergy.
These collaborations are a part of our Think Food Allergy initiative which helps to better equip foodservice operators with the tools needed to train staff on food allergy basics and create safer, more inclusive environments in their establishments. While we continue our long-term advocacy for standardized allergen management practices, we’re taking action now to make a difference. If you’re in the foodservice industry, or want to share with the restaurants you frequent, download our resources and tools at ThinkFoodAllergy.ca.
Advocacy in action: Engaging with government


Earlier this month, we met with Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Keiran Moore to discuss both prevention and treatment of food allergy.
Both offices recognized the challenges of living with food allergy and the importance of supporting efforts to prevent it. This is the start of important conversations to recognize food allergy as a chronic disease that can be prevented in many through early interventions like introducing allergens early and keeping it in the diet: Eat Early. Eat Often., and can be treated to lessen the risk of severe reactions. Through our advocacy, we are gaining momentum with the government to take steps to support this direction.
Learn more about our advocacy with government through our National Food Allergy Action Plan.
20 years of Sabrina’s Law: School policy to accommodate kids at risk of anaphylaxis

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sabrina’s Law — landmark legislation that was the first of its kind in the world that protected students at risk of anaphylaxis. Food Allergy Canada helped to usher in Sabrina’s Law, which was passed in Ontario in 2005. The law is named in memory of Sabrina Shannon, a young teen who lost her life due to an allergic reaction at school.
Two decades later, Sabrina’s Law has made schools safer for countless students at risk of anaphylaxis. Since the law was passed, other provincial and territorial governments have introduced laws, policies, or guidelines to better protect students with food allergy. Sabrina’s Law continues to serve as a model — not just in Canada, but around the world.

We honour Sabrina’s legacy and remain committed to advocating for safe and informed environments for all individuals with food allergy. We recognized Sara Shannon, mother of Sabrina, at our National Conference last month for her courage and relentless advocacy, in turning her grief into purpose and change for thousands of families across Canada. Thank you Sara for your extraordinary contribution to food allergy advocacy and to the legacy of change sparked by Sabrina’s story.
Mythbuster: Do allergic reactions always happen within minutes of eating a food?
FACT: Reactions often occur within minutes, however, the timeframe can vary up to several hours after exposure.
Some people may have a second or biphasic reaction after initial symptoms have resolved from the first reaction and in the absence of any further exposure to the allergen. Biphasic reactions appear to be more likely when the first dose of epinephrine given was delayed. The second reaction can be less severe than the first reaction, the same, or more severe.
Bottom line: Give epinephrine at the first sign of a known or suspected anaphylactic reaction.
Learn more

Learn more about treating reactions, the importance of epinephrine, and review the 5 emergency steps.
Download our one-pager on epinephrine, including tips about auto-injectors!