A Glasgow man with 28 food allergies is raising concerns over the growing number of people affected by severe allergies in Scotland. With cases tripling over the last two decades, he warns that current regulations and support systems are failing those who need them most.
Allergies on the Rise: A Growing Concern
The number of people in Scotland living with severe allergies has surged, with NHS data indicating a threefold increase over the past 20 years. This trend has left many struggling with daily challenges, from grocery shopping to dining out.
Anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction, affects between 6,000 and 10,000 people in Scotland alone. Experts predict this number will only continue to rise, making access to clear and accurate allergen information more crucial than ever.
‘Everyday Life Is a Constant Battle’
For Alex De Sousa, allergies have dictated much of his life. What began as an allergy to milk as a baby has now grown into a list of 28 severe food allergies, including peanuts and legumes. Simple tasks like eating out or buying packaged food have become increasingly difficult.
“You have to think about it all the time,” Alex explains. “In the house, at the supermarket—it’s constant. Eating out is a whole other challenge.”
His experience echoes that of many others with severe allergies, who often find food labels confusing or incomplete. “Pea protein, for example, is sneaking into more and more products. If something is labeled as vegan or gluten-free, it’s a red flag for me because it likely contains legumes.”
The Gaps in Food Allergy Regulations
In Scotland, food businesses must disclose whether their products contain any of the 14 legally recognized allergens. However, Alex argues that this regulation is too loosely enforced and inconsistently applied.
“Right now, businesses are only required to provide allergen information in person,” he says. “That puts a lot of responsibility on the server, who might not have access to up-to-date information. If the restaurant is busy, mistakes can happen. The chef might not even be sure about certain ingredients.”
The risk of miscommunication in restaurants has led many allergy sufferers to avoid dining out altogether. Some believe clearer labeling and digital tools could help bridge the gap.
A Digital Solution: Making Food Safer for Allergy Sufferers
Recognizing the need for better access to allergen information, Alex has developed an online tool called Edible. The platform is designed to help restaurants provide customers with clear, accessible allergen details.
- Why Edible Matters: The tool aims to eliminate guesswork by allowing users to check allergen information digitally rather than relying on verbal communication.
- Beyond Allergies: While initially designed for those with food allergies, Alex believes Edible could benefit anyone who wants more transparency about what’s in their food.
“There’s demand for this information beyond just food allergies. People want to know what they’re eating, and that demand is only going to grow,” he says.
The Shortage of Allergy Specialists
Scotland’s only adult allergy clinic, based in Glasgow, treats around 1,000 patients annually. However, experts warn that demand is outpacing the availability of specialists.
Professor Malcolm Shepherd, who played a key role in establishing Scotland’s allergy services, highlights a major gap in adult care. “Paediatric allergy services are quite strong, but when people transition into adulthood, support becomes less comprehensive. The rise in adult allergies hasn’t been matched by an increase in specialists, and that’s a global issue.”
As the number of allergy sufferers continues to climb, experts stress the need for improved healthcare infrastructure, stronger regulations, and better access to information. For people like Alex, these changes could mean the difference between a manageable condition and a life-threatening risk.
