At SGS, we are proud to support Anaphylaxis UK Awareness Week. It is an important opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by people living with severe allergies and related conditions, and to share why allergen management is so vital across the food industry.
General Manager of our allergens center of excellence in Hebden Bridge, Emma Ridley, has a personal perspective on this issue. In 2024, her father was diagnosed with gluten ataxia, a rare neurological condition triggered by gluten ingestion.
"Although I worked in food allergens, I wasn’t aware of this condition until my dad’s diagnosis,” Emma explains. “Gluten ataxia affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for motor control and balance and in my dad’s case, it impacts speech and movement. As it’s so rare, the diagnosis took a long time. Even now, our family is still learning how to adapt to a new way of life."
Everyday challenges
Living with gluten ataxia has transformed everyday routines for Emma’s family. Food shopping now involves scanning every label not just for clear gluten listings, but also for precautionary allergen labelling, which her father avoids completely. Eating out is another challenge, with constant worries about whether staff truly understand his dietary requirements and whether a dish is safe.
One of the most difficult aspects is the uncertainty. Unlike anaphylaxis, where reactions can be immediate, the impact of gluten ingestion in gluten ataxia can only be detected later through MRI scans that reveal cerebellum damage.
"Most people have never heard of gluten ataxia, so they don’t understand how serious it is,” Emma says. “That’s why allergen awareness across the food sector is absolutely critical."
What restaurants can do
For hospitality businesses, allergen management begins with knowledge. Menus must be regularly reviewed to ensure allergen information is accurate and up to date. Staff training is essential, enabling them to:
- Prevent cross-contamination during food preparation
- Verify that ingredients are genuinely free-from
- Communicate clearly and confidently with customers about allergen concerns
Designated preparation areas, strict cleaning procedures and supportive front-of-house staff can all help reassure diners and keep them safe.
What manufacturers must ensure
In retail and food production, robust allergen management systems are non-negotiable. This includes:
- Implementing HACCP-based allergen controls
- Preventing cross-contamination through segregated storage, production line separation and thorough cleaning
- Ensuring accurate labelling in line with regulations
- Conducting ingredient, product and environmental testing to verify allergen-free claims
Allergen testing plays a vital role in validating cleaning processes and confirming product safety before release. Choosing the correct testing methods for specific food types is key to delivering reliable results.
The importance of getting it right
Recent product recalls show that most allergen-related alerts stem from labelling errors. For consumers with severe allergies or conditions like gluten ataxia, these mistakes can be devastating. That is why food businesses must treat allergen management as a critical part of food safety – not a box-ticking exercise.
At SGS, our mission is clear: when it comes to allergens, accuracy and vigilance save lives. During Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, we stand with those living with allergies and related conditions and continue to support the food industry in building safer systems for everyone.
If you are a food business looking to strengthen your allergen management, ensure compliance and protect your customers, contact us today to find out how our testing, advisory and certification services can help you get it right every time.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Emma Ridley
General Manager | Hebden Bridge
Health & Nutrition
t: +44 (0) 151 350 6666
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
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