The Food Standards Agency are launching a piece of seasonal communications for Valentine’s Day, as an extension of their successful #easytoASK campaign. They are continuing to target young people living with food allergies and intolerances, sharing  tips to raise awareness of safe behaviours for the celebration – including steps for booking a restaurant if eating out; or planning an allergy-safe meal, if eating in.

Celebrity support

Prominent consumer charities Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis Campaign will be delivering this campaign in partnership with the FSA. Given the target audience, they will be continuing their previously proven approach of communicating via insta-stories and e-cards on their digital channels, and will also be using celebrity influencer Jack Fowler (who has a severe nut allergy) again, to highlight the importance of being confident and speaking out if you live with an allergy/intolerance.

Induction Junction support

The digital learning brokerage service, Induction Junction, will join a range of partners, such as local authorities, trade bodies and retailers, to share their messages during this week of activity.

Hazel Langley, FSA Campaign Partner and Owner of Induction Junction said;

“Food business must provide allergen information in writing. This could be full allergen information on a menu or a written signpost explaining how you can obtain this information, for example by speaking to a member of staff.  However, this time of year there is an increase in people cooking at home or ordering take-aways. It’s vital that young people feel confident enough to ask about allergens and food intolerances to keep themselves, and their friends, safe.”

Resources

This short FSA film explains the difference between food allergies, coeliac disease and food intolerance.

Further resources are available below:

Tips for cooking an allergy-free Valentine’s Meal

Quick guide to ordering food or a take-away safely

We will be circulating information and tips across Twitter and Facebook. Please share the information using #easytoASK