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A review of the need for regulations on potentially life-saving food labelling and allergen information is expected to be concluded before the end of the year.
Currently there is no legislation or guidance in Guernsey to require food businesses to disclose allergens on menus or food labels or to provide information in any format.
It leaves the island trailing safety standards elsewhere at a time when food allergies are on the rise.
Tobin Cook, Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation, said: "All food businesses are expected to carry out a risk assessment of their activities and they must also ensure that products are labelled correctly and not misrepresented.
"Whilst we do not currently have specific allergen legislation, this is a matter that officers are reviewing, and an update will be provided to the Committee for Health & Social Care before the end of the year."
How this all impacts those with food allergies and the choices they make when eating out is now the focus of a new study which is encouraging people to share their experiences to help inform any changes that may be needed.
Fresh research on the local situation is being undertaken by Dr Vicky Carre, GP and Allergy Lead at Healthcare Group.
"I have set up the Allergy Clinic at Healthcare Group and pursued further qualifications in allergy to try to address some of the problems of unmet need in allergy care provision," said Dr Carre.
"This study forms part of the final dissertation for my Allergy Degree, but I also hope it will inform some changes in this important area that could make a real difference to people in Guernsey with allergies."
If you have a food allergy, a food intolerance or coeliac disease, or you are the carer of a child with one of these conditions, you can take part in the survey by clicking here.
A recent analysis from Imperial College London published in the journal Lancet Public Health estimated that the number of people living with food allergies in England has doubled over the last decade.
The analysis found that up to 4% of preschool-aged children have a food allergy, while rates in adults were around 1%.
Food allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a certain food, common culprits being cow's milk, peanuts, eggs, shellfish, and tree nuts.
In severe cases, it leads to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition manifested by breathing difficulties, severe skin reactions, and collapse.
While more doctors are diagnosing food allergy over the past decade, this does not entirely explain the reason for the increase in rates. Changes in infant feeding guidelines, air pollution and climate change, and shifts in our gut microbiome may all have roles to play.
Food allergy has been a focus in the media recently with the case of Hannah Jacobs who died after consuming a hot chocolate made with cow's milk in a coffee shop when she had requested a soy-milk-based product due to her serious milk allergy.
This comes after other high-profile cases such as that of Owen Carey who also died from his milk allergy after consuming a burger in a chain restaurant. He was given a burger that had been marinated in buttermilk despite declaring his milk allergy to staff and checking the burger would be safe.
There was also the case of Natasha Ednan-Laparouse who died on a plane of anaphylaxis to sesame after eating a baguette, which was not labelled. Natasha's experience led to a campaign to tighten up food labelling laws, and it is now mandatory in the UK for prepackaged goods to have full ingredient lists with 14 "priority allergens" highlighted.
Jersey also currently lacks any legislation in this area.
In 2022, the States of Jersey pledged to develop legislation on allergen labelling requirements, but the slow progress has been criticised by campaigners.
Allergen-labelling laws for hospitality businesses and other food providers are now due to be debated in their States next year.
The Channel Islands' first ever Food Allergy Conference will be also be held in Jersey on Monday 18 November.
It is being organised by the Jersey Food Allergy Group.
Dominic Jones and Neva Richardson, founders of Jersey Food Allergy Group who both have young children with severe food allergies, criticised how long it has taken to bring the legislation to the Assembly when the UK adopted allergen-labelling laws in 2021.
Pictured: Dominic Jones.
They said: "This conference will be a powerful platform to share knowledge, challenge misconceptions, and propose solutions that will help make daily life safer and easier for people living with food allergies in Jersey, as well as those visiting the Island."
They added: "Jersey is so behind the UK in terms of regulations around food labelling and allergen information, which can make the Island a really difficult place for food-allergy sufferers to live safely.
"We're hopeful that this conference will help to highlight the issue of food allergies in Jersey; the practical, economic and social implications of allergies; the need for regulation so those with allergies can buy foods, drinks, and dine out safely; and will contribute to positive change for local allergy sufferers and their families."
Topics under discussion include the latest advancements in allergy treatment, prevention strategies, and psychological support for patients and families, to practical solutions for businesses and schools to accommodate those with food allergies.
The agenda also includes sessions on food-safety regulations in the UK, Ireland, and the EU, and the growing role of hospitality in managing food-allergy risks.
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