Allergy Advocates WA founders Sophie Smith and Taryn Grainger with their kids.~|~|F6ALhm6o0c
UPDATE: Two Busselton mums are taking immediate action to tackle food allergy safety in Australia. Sophie Smith and Taryn Grainger have just launched Allergy Advocates, a new platform aimed at enhancing awareness and safety in the dining scene. Frustrated by the uncertainty surrounding allergen information at restaurants, these mothers are determined to ensure families can dine out without fear.
Their mission focuses on three key initiatives: requiring food venues to clearly label allergens on menus, creating an allergy matrix for staff training, and promoting access to accredited allergy awareness training. This launch comes at a critical time as Australia grapples with the world’s highest rate of childhood food allergies.
“Eating out here with my daughter, who has allergies to egg, milk, sesame seeds, banana, and peanuts, is a stressful experience,” said Smith. She expressed her shock at the lack of food-allergy transparency in Australia compared to her home country, the UK. “In the UK, Natasha’s Law has revolutionized how allergens are managed,” she added, referencing the legislation implemented after a tragic incident involving a teenage girl who died from an anaphylactic reaction due to inadequate labeling.
Grainger echoed these concerns, citing her own experiences. “I’ve had to pull my daughter out of childcare after she was given food containing dairy, which she is severely allergic to,” she shared. The duo aims to ensure that families like theirs can enjoy meals out without the looming threat of allergic reactions.
The urgency of their efforts is underscored by alarming statistics from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, which reports that hospital admissions for anaphylaxis in Australia have surged by more than 350 percent over the past 20 years. “Allergy awareness training is not mandatory in Australia,” Grainger pointed out, advocating for systemic changes to legislation that would enforce such training.
Their vision for Allergy Advocates extends beyond just dining out; they hope to create a culture where children with food allergies are not excluded from social activities. “I don’t want my son to miss out on social experiences because of his allergies,” Grainger stressed, highlighting the emotional weight of their mission.
As they embark on this ambitious journey, Smith and Grainger are calling for support from families, restaurants, and policymakers alike. They believe that Australia can align its practices with global standards to ensure that dining out is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The launch of Allergy Advocates is a timely reminder of the critical need for improved food safety measures. As parents grapple with food allergies daily, the hope is that this initiative will spark significant change in how allergens are managed across the country.
Stay tuned for updates on how Allergy Advocates plans to influence policy and improve dining safety for families with food allergies.
