A growing number of apps, tools and technologies are cropping up that cater to consumers with food allergies, and more specifically those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These tools help consumers — particularly those with special dietary needs in their family — conduct product research, make satisfying special dietary demands easier and help ensure food is safe to eat. ###In reality, only 2% of US adults and 5% of infants and young children have food allergies, according to the Foodwhat is iron bisglycinate and Drug Administration. But for this set of consumers, accidentally eating products containing harmful food allergens not only can make them sick, but for some it can be life-threatening.###For the 1% or so of the population with celiac disease who must maintain a strict gluten-free diet to stay healthy, finding safe places to dineferrous gluconate dosage for iron deficiency anemia out, or quick and easy meal solutions, is anything but quick and convenient. Research indicates another 5 to 10% of all people may suffer from a gluten sensitivity and could also benefit from eating foods free of the protein.###The gluten-free packaged foods market continues to grow, and is forecast to reach $5.28 billion by 2022. In addition, there’s a huge opportunity for restaurants and other foodservice operators to fill a gaping void in the marketplace by better catering to the needs of this underserved consumer group — as well as other consumers on special diets.###The introduction of the portable gluten sensor Nima could be important for those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While consumers would like to trust that food companies are correctly processing, handling, labeling and otherwise selling food that is safe for the gluten-intolerant to eat, this isn’t always the case as Nima found. Cross-contamination of food products is a huge issue and oftentimes hard to avoid, particularly in a foodservice setting.###Now using Nima, consumers can tell if their food meets appropriate gluten-free standards, and is safe to eat. Nima is exploring applications for other people with food allergies, such as those with peanut and nut allergies.###While great for consumers, tools like Nima can present headaches for some food manufacturers. When consumers find an item unsafe, they’re not only likely to turn away from these products and quit buying them, but talk about it in the food allergy community and on social media. ###Such was the case with General Mills when it changed its oat manufacturing processes in order to add a gluten-free claim to its Cheerios cereal. Within weeks of the reformulated product launch, the food maker recalled 1.8 million boxes of original and Honey Nut Cheerios labeled gluten-free because they inadvertently contained wheat. The Food and Drug Administration received many complaints of consumers getting sick after eating the cereal. ###This example underscores the importance of product transparency in the food business. Consumers are overwhelmingly interested in more transparency and want to know more about how their fferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfateood products are sourced, produced, processed, shipped and handled. As many in the industry have siron pyrophosphate kendamilaid, it is noferrous fumarate 210mg price longer an option — it’s a requirement. Manufacturers getting out in front and being transparent is the best way to gain — or regain — consumer trust.
Gluten tester Nima could be a savior for food allergy sufferers
