Generous shoppers on the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to help an in-store fundraising campaign this allergy week (5th – 11th June) to support medical research into food allergies.
For the third year running, Tesco is working with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation to help raise awareness and support medical research into food allergies by contributing 10p from every Free From product bought in stores and online throughout the week, with all the money raised will help Natasha’s Foundation to continue its research into reducing the risks of food allergies and further developments in the management of allergies.
Free From products are simply foods made without specific ingredients like gluten, dairy, or nuts.
In addition to the funds being raised, the campaign aims to increase awareness on the Isle of Wight about the importance of understanding food allergies and clearly highlighting ingredients in the food that can cause allergic reactions.
Natasha’s Foundation was founded in 2016 by Tanya and Nadim, following the tragic loss of their daughter Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who had a fatal allergic reaction to a baguette that contained sesame seeds not listed on the packaging.
Her Mother, Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE said:
“Tesco customers have supported the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation from the very start, and this year the money raised will help fund our first clinical trial, which will explore the management of food allergies.”
Last October, the Foundation also helped to introduce Natasha’s Law, which requires all pre-packaged food made and sold on the same premises in the UK to have a full list of ingredients.
Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said:
“The funds raised will continue to support the Natasha Foundation in its vital support of medical research surrounding food allergies – a cause we’ve been proud to raise funds for over the past three years now.
“There are now 207 products in our Free From range, from meals and desserts to snacks, all created with great taste but without any of the allergens. We welcome any shoppers on the Isle of Wight to try these products to help raise money for a fantastic cause this World Allergy Week.”
All the best for you guys, worthy cause.
But, why are so many people affected by food allergies nowadays.
Nuts, gluten, dairy…ect.
There was no such thing when I was growing up. (just saying) ?
Some people seem so fussy now days.
If your starving, you would eat anything.
Likewise, I never knew anybody with some of these allergies when I was growing up and I really think this is where the research needs to be done.
Yes, there are fussy eaters out there too. More than there used to be? Probably, as there’s so much food available and so much choice these days people can afford to be picky. Back in my day (and I’m starting to sound like my Mum here) you generally ate what was put in front of you or you went hungry.
Not sure though that even if you’re starving you’d ‘eat anything’ even if it could potentially kill you.
Fair point, but depends on how starving you are ?
When I was young I used to eat dog biscuits,
And I grew up in Bembridge.
So many fussy eaters now days.
I recently heard that it is a good thing to give your baby a tiny tiny bit of peanut butter on your finger.
Makes sense to me, so there body gets used to it.
But hay, what do I know, I’m no doctor, oops, yes I am.
Quite correct – you will of course have noted that in countries where famines are common or there is no social safety net, they somehow do not suffer lactose intolerances etc….
also – years ago there weren’t so many chemicals being pumped into products to clean your house with – you know “kills 99% of bacteria etc” – there is evidence to support the view that these types of products can trigger things…
According to Asthma UK, professional cleaners and those who use a lot of cleaning products (like janitors or nurses) are more at risk of developing asthma.