May 29, 2025

Every year, thousands of Australians live with the daily reality of food allergies. For many, it’s more than just a dietary restriction—it’s a life-threatening condition that requires constant vigilance. That’s why Food Allergy Week, run by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, is so crucial.  

Held annually in May, this week serves as a national wake-up call for increased understanding, prevention, and action around food allergies and anaphylaxis. 

 

Why Food Allergy Awareness Matters 

In Australia, around 1 in 10 infants, 1 in 20 children, and 2 in 100 adults live with a diagnosed food allergy, according to A&AA. These numbers are among the highest reported in the world. 

Food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal reaction that can occur within minutes. Symptoms may include swelling of the lips and tongue, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, vomiting, or loss of consciousness. 

Raising awareness is critical because many allergic reactions happen unexpectedly—at school, in restaurants, or during social gatherings. Lack of knowledge can mean the difference between a quick response and a tragedy. 

 

Common Food Allergens in Australia 

The most common food triggers are known as the “Big 9”: 

  • Eggs 
  • Cow’s milk (dairy) 
  • Peanuts 
  • Tree nuts 
  • Sesame 
  • Soy 
  • Wheat 
  • Fish 
  • Shellfish 

Being aware of these allergens and knowing how to respond can prevent unnecessary emergencies. 

Be a M.A.T.E.: How to Support People with Food Allergies 

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia urges all Australians to “Be a M.A.T.E.” This means: 

  • Make no assumptions – always ask if someone has an allergy. 
  • Always check ingredients and read food labels carefully. 
  • Take all allergies seriously—never dismiss them. 
  • Encourage others to be aware and informed. 

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, food service worker, or simply a friend, these steps can help you make an inclusive and safe environment for everyone. 

How to Prepare for Allergic Reactions 

Everyone should learn how to respond to an anaphylactic emergency. A&AA recommends carrying an ASCIA Action Plan and knowing how to use an adrenaline auto-injector like an EpiPen or Anapen. The Apply First Aid Edition 5 manual emphasizes the need for: 

  • Laying the person flat 
  • Administering adrenaline immediately 
  • Calling 000 
  • Following up with a second dose if symptoms persist after 5 minutes 

Quick and correct first aid can save lives. 

Learn How to Save a Life 

Want to take your support further? You can enrol in an accredited anaphylaxis management course and gain the skills needed to assist someone in a real-life emergency. Start here:
👉 Enrol in the 22578VIC Course in the Management of Anaphylaxis 

Food Allergy Week isn’t just for people with allergies—it’s for all of us. By learning, sharing, and advocating, we help reduce stigma and create a safer, more inclusive community. 

Learn more and get involved:
🔗 Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia – Food Allergy Week 

 

 

Sources:  

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. (2025). Food Allergy Week. Retrieved from https://allergyfacts.org.au/get-involved/food-allergy-week/ 

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia. (n.d.). Be a M.A.T.E. Retrieved from https://allergyfacts.org.au/be-a-mate/ 

Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). (2023). Anaphylaxis emergency management for health professionals. Retrieved from https://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/anaphylaxis-resources 

Barraclough, N., & Riley, S. (2022). Apply first aid (5th ed.). Emergency First Aid Pty Ltd & Qualsafe Limited. 

Emergency First Aid. (n.d.). 22578VIC Course in the Management of Anaphylaxis. Retrieved from https://emergency.com.au/our-courses/22578vic-course-in-management-of-anaphylaxis/