MP Becky Gittins Calls for Clearer Allergy Labelling on Cosmetics to Protect Food Allergy Sufferers
Becky Gittins, the Labour MP for Clwyd East, has urged cosmetic companies to prioritize allergy safety by using plain English for ingredient labelling instead of Latin. Drawing on her personal experience as a severe allergy sufferer, Gittins described the current reliance on Latin terminology as “absolutely bonkers” and called for a more straightforward approach to help prevent life-threatening allergic reactions.
Latin Labelling Poses a Challenge to Allergy Sufferers
Gittins highlighted the struggles faced by individuals with food allergies, who must navigate complicated Latin names on products such as moisturizers, lip balms, and haircare items to avoid exposure to allergens. As someone who has been hospitalized due to nut allergies, she stressed the difficulty of identifying harmful substances hidden behind unfamiliar scientific labels.
“When I use skincare and hair products, I need to know the Latin words for things I’m allergic to. That’s exhausting,” Gittins said. “It’s frustrating that a chocolate bar must list allergens like nuts, yet a lip balm—something that could end up in my mouth—might only use Latin terms like Prunus for almond oil.”
Labour MP Becky Gittins advocates for ingredient lists in English to replace Latin names on cosmetics, citing health risks for allergy sufferers.
Allergy Labels and Legal Loopholes: A Growing Concern
The use of Latin names is intended to standardize ingredient descriptions across countries, ensuring consistency in global markets. However, Gittins argued that the rise in food allergies demands clearer labelling to make life easier for those affected.
The MP also criticized the frequent use of non-specific allergy warnings, such as “may contain nuts,” by many manufacturers. “Companies often use these blanket warnings to cover themselves legally, but there’s no clear scientific threshold for when such warnings are needed,” she explained. “This makes it hard for people with allergies to make informed decisions about their safety.”
Surge in Allergy Cases Highlights Need for Reform
Gittins’ call for improved labelling comes as research from Imperial College London shows that food allergy diagnoses in England more than doubled between 2008 and 2018. The study, which analyzed records from seven million patients, found that the incidence of food allergies rose from 76 per 100,000 people in 2008 to 160 per 100,000 in 2018, with children under five experiencing the highest rates.
Advocacy for an ‘Allergy Tsar’ and Better Awareness
Gittins has pledged to champion the rights of allergy sufferers in Parliament and backs the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation’s proposal for an “allergy tsar.” This government-appointed role would focus on raising awareness, promoting research, and addressing the growing allergy epidemic.
The Foundation was established by the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who tragically died at age 15 following an allergic reaction to sesame seeds in a Pret a Manger baguette. Gittins recently became a parliamentary ambassador for the foundation, further strengthening her commitment to allergy advocacy.
Allergy Risks Extend to Flavoured Vapes
Gittins also raised concerns about the lack of allergy information on flavoured vape products, citing reports of allergic reactions from secondhand vape smoke. “Vapes are a hot topic in politics, but we rarely hear about their potential to trigger allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis,” she said. “This is an area I want to explore further.”
Government Responds to Allergy Safety Concerns
In response to Gittins’ campaign, a government spokesperson emphasized ongoing efforts to improve allergy care. “We are working with the NHS, voluntary groups, and patient representatives to explore how allergy support can be enhanced,” the spokesperson said. “Regulations require all cosmetics to carry a full list of ingredients using widely recognized names, but we are listening to stakeholders and will carefully consider further changes.”
Gittins’ advocacy underscores the urgent need for reforms to make allergy labelling clearer and more effective, ensuring that the growing number of food allergy sufferers are better protected in everyday situations.
Source : Swifteradio.com
