Allergy New Zealand

Meri Kirihimete! We hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and a wonderful New Year. We are excited for 2021 and the opportunity to continue advocating and supporting all of the allergy community.

Countdown recalls Macro Almond, Brazil and Cashew spread

Countdown is recalling Macro Almond, Brazil and Cashew spreads. The recall is due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, peanuts.

“The impacted product has a best before date of between 15/4/21 and 30/11/21. Those who purchased this product are asked to return to their nearest Countdown for a full refund.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/countdown-recalls-macro-almond-brazil-and-cashew-spread

tvnz.co.nz Countdown has issued a nationwide recall of this product which is sold at Countdown, SuperValue and Fresh Choice.

Allergy New Zealand’s office will close Tuesday 22 December and re-open again on Monday 25 January 2021. The team would like to thank everyone who has supported us this year. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Subscribe to MPI

MPI has changed its subscription settings to allow people with food allergies to now only receive recall notifications related to food. To subscribe, go to https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news/subscribe-to-mpi/, enter your email address and name, then go down to “Email Update Topics” and tick on “Food recalls – allergies.”
Food recall notices for undeclared food allergens will then be emailed directly to you.

mpi.govt.nz Topics are grouped under consultations, media releases, email alerts, or newsletters. To unsubscribe, untick a topic. To unsubscribe from all notifications, make sure all boxes are unticked. When you've finished, confirm your category selections with the 'Subscribe' button.

Pro Plan LiveClear Feeding Programme | Purina Pro Plan

Do you know a cat owner who struggles with an allergy? Nestle Purina is offering up to 100 cat owners the opportunity to try its new allergen-reducing cat food before its New Zealand-wide release. If you want your pet to become one of the first to try this allergy friendly food, please register here https://www.nestlepromotions.co.nz/liveclear-trial

nestlepromotions.co.nz Thank you for your interest in our exciting new PRO PLAN LiveClear – a 100% complete and balanced food that has the power to reduce cat allergens.

The summer edition of Allergy Today, our free e-newsletter is out now! With tips for managing eczema in summer, information on a new food that could reduce cat allergies and tasty recipes, this edition is one not to be missed. Check it out at https://mailchi.mp/allergy/0kizmieht6-3280884christmas2020newsletter-3280908?e=[UNIQID]

Hayfever, allergy sufferers warned of a sniffly summer with perfect conditions for pollen-producing plants

With La Niña weather set to cause a warmer and wetter summer, people with allergies are advised to make sure they have a good supply of medication for the Christmas holiday break, especially if they are going to be enjoying the great outdoors.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/11/hayfever-allergy-sufferers-warned-of-a-sniffly-summer-with-perfect-conditions-for-pollen-producing-plants.html

newshub.co.nz La Niña is expected to bring humid, rainy, and windy weather throughout the season.

Allergy-friendly and low-FODMAP cook and author, Alana Scott, has created this festive dessert for you to share with family and friends these Summer holidays.
The best part about this delicious Berry Bliss Ambrosia is it takes only 10 minutes to prepare and is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Nut Free and Soy Free. We hope you enjoy it! For more of Alana’s recipes, visit alittlebityummy.com
http://www.allergy.org.nz/news++events/BerryBlissAmbrosia.html

JUK Gourmet Everyday brand Vegan Thai Green Tofu Curry

26 November 2020
Food Recall – undeclared allergen – Crustacea (shrimp)

Eat Shop Do Ltd is recalling specific batches of its JUK Gourmet Everyday brand Vegan Thai Green Tofu Curry due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (crustacea – shrimp). People with a crustacea (shrimp) allergy should not consume this product.
See more information on:

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/food-recalls-and-complaints/recalled-food-products/juk-brand-gourmet-everyday-brand-thai-green-tofu-curry/?utm_source=notification-email

mpi.govt.nz 25 November 2020: Eat Shop Do Ltd is recalling specific batches of its JUK Gourmet Everyday brand Vegan Thai Green Tofu Curry due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (crustacea – shrimp).

Did you know that ‘hayfever’ affects at least a third of New Zealanders? Many of us, however, don’t realise how much of an impact its symptoms are having on us. Uncontrolled ‘hayfever’ also increases the risk of sinusitis and can even worsen the control of asthma. Read more here, http://www.allergy.org.nz/news++events/GettingRidofHayfever.html

Is NZ's vanishing nature worsening kids' asthma rates? - NZ Herald

A study is underway to find out whether having a smaller number of green spaces might be connected to the increasing number of Kiwi kids having asthma. Previous research by Massey and Otago researchers found there was a link between green spaces and a reduction in asthma, so this further research is very exciting. New Zealand has some of the largest rates of allergy and asthma in the world, so we eagerly await the results. Read more here, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/is-nzs-vanishing-nature-worsening-kids-asthma-rates/BGSH5CHILAPM3V3DPKMBCFCZNQ/

nzherald.co.nz Scientists investigating whether loss of green spaces is linked to asthma among Kiwi kids.

Allergy sufferer wants silver birch trees on street gone in wake of phoenix palm removal nearby

A Stuff article was released today highlighting the struggle allergy sufferers are having with getting Silver Birch trees removed. The story discusses one person’s three-year battle with the council. Has anyone had success getting plants/trees or grasses removed from public areas, after talking about the risk of allergies to people in their neighbourhood?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/123336082/allergy-sufferer-wants-silver-birch-trees-on-street-gone-in-wake-of-phoenix-palm-removal-nearby

stuff.co.nz After a neighbouring street's success, Naomi Williams is on a renewed push to have the 13 silver birch trees that line her avenue removed.

The latest Allergy Today e-newsletter is out now! For this Spring issue, we look at ways to help hayfever, discuss food allergen warnings about to go on medicines and Alana Scott shares with us a tasty dessert. Check it out below: https://mailchi.mp/allergy/0kizmieht6-3280884springnewsletter-3280904?e=[UNIQID]

Allergy New Zealand's Annual Report for 2020 is out now! Along with significantly increasing our membership numbers by making membership of Allergy New Zealand FREE, our other substantial highlight for the year was our FundaPen™ initiative.

With over 100,000 hits on our page within 24 hours from launch, we knew this rollout would be a huge success and it didn't disappoint. Within nine months we provided nearly 3,000 New Zealanders at risk of anaphylaxis with a free EpiPen® thanks to a $300,000 donation from Pub Charity. This initiative has demonstrated the size of unmet need for this lifesaving device and we will continue to advocate for the many people who carry this financial burden.

You can read more in our Annual Report here,http://www.allergy.org.nz/site/allergynz/Allergy%20NZ%20-%20Annual%20Report%20FY20f.pdf

[10/31/20]   1 November 2020
Food Recall – undeclared allergen - Gluten
Two Blue Frog brand Gluten Free Cereals have been recalled due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (gluten) and an incorrect claim about gluten. These are Central Otago Apricot with Vanilla & Hemp Heart Gluten Free Cereal, and Zesty Raspberry with Coconut and Toasted Almonds Gluten Free Cereal. All best before dates of the products up to and including 15SEP21 are affected. People with a gluten allergy or intolerance should not consume these products. If you are not allergic or intolerant to gluten this recall does not affect you.
Learn more:
Blue Frog brand Gluten Free Cereals
Get food recalls emailed directly to you by subscribing to MPI:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/subscribe-to-mpi/

Lately we’ve been hearing more about some less common allergies that exist within our community. These have included food items such as, coriander and goji berries. It’s important to recognise how wide the allergy community is, so we thought it would be interesting to find out what other uncommon allergies people might have. We’d love to hear about yours in the comments below :)

Luxerose brand Athena and Hera cocktail blend

Food Recall – undeclared allergen - Sulphites

We Love Group Ltd is recalling all batches of its Luxerose brand Athena and Hera cocktail blend due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (sulphites). People with a sulphites allergy should not consume these products.

Learn more:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety/food-recalls/recalled-food-products/luxerose-brand-athena-and-hera-cocktail-blend/?utm_source=notification-email
Get food recalls emailed directly to you by subscribing to MPI:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/subscribe-to-mpi/

mpi.govt.nz 21 October 2020: We Love Group Ltd is recalling all batches of its Luxerose brand Athena and Hera cocktail blend due to the presence of an undeclared allergen (sulphites).

Did you know that Allergy New Zealand is free to join? As a member of Allergy New Zealand you’ll receive regular Allergy Today e-newsletters, discounts at our online shop, and most importantly, the opportunity to join a supportive and inclusive community. To join, email ‘Membership Request’ to [email protected]

Honey bees are on the swarm - here's what to do if they pay you a visit

Many of us will have noticed a lot more bees around lately, with the warmer temperatures increasing the number of flowering plants and pollen. Although bees are fantastic for the environment, they can be problematic for those with allergies, particularly when they’re swarming. If you experience a swarm in your garden, it’s important to close all windows and doors, keep away from the hive and call an experienced beekeeper to help. For more information and available beekeepers check out,

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/honey-bees-swarm-heres-do-if-they-pay-you-visit

tvnz.co.nz Swarms are common between August and January, and are triggered by an increase in flowering plants and warmer weather.

Pink Shirt Day

It’s Pink Shirt Day today and a wonderful reminder to “Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!” Pink Shirt Day began as two friends taking a stand against homophobic bullying. It's now celebrated internationally, with positive social relationships, diversity and inclusiveness at its core. To find out more about the day, check out

https://www.pinkshirtday.org.nz/about/

pinkshirtday.org.nz On Pink Shirt Day we ask Aotearoa to Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!

Beautiful linen products lovingly made in New Zealand

Be Kind ...

A reminder about our good mates at Kind Face™. They provide a 10% discount on their re-usable linen face masks, and other products, to supporters of Allergy New Zealand. Each time you buy something using the discount code below, they will make a donation to us to help continue the work we do.
• Go to https://kindface.co.nz/ to view, and enter Coupon Code: "AllergyNZ10", in the ‘Cart’ page to apply the discount.

kindface.co.nz Kind Face™ products are designed to appeal to three key senses; Touch, Smell and Sight. They also satisfy a very important fourth sense… Common Sense. Proudly designed and made in New Zealand to be kind on the environment and economy.

Please be aware of allergens in unexpected places.

Food Allergens can pop up in unexpected places, like egg used in wine as a processing aid, or as we found a few years ago, milk protein in flavoured water. Just recently we heard of milk in an orange fruit drink concentrate. These products comply with regulations, by listing the allergen on the label as required, but may be missed by consumers who are not expecting them to contain an allergen. Please remember: Read Every Label Every Time.

Tell us about your close encounters with an unexpected allergen.

Spring is a prime time for pollen-related allergies. The Allergy New Zealand Pollen Calendar is a great resource for tracking pollens that may be affecting you at this time of year.
http://www.allergy.org.nz/site/allergynz/Annual%20Pollen%20Calendar%202018%20A3.pdf

Looking for a tasty recipe to try and have on hand for an easy meal during the week? In our most recent edition of Allergy Today, we shared this recipe for Sticky Pork with Creamy Polenta and Steamed Vegetables, provided by Alana Scott, which had a great reaction! The recipe can be used with whatever vegetables you have in the fridge and is gluten, dairy, nut, egg, peanut, soy and shellfish free. Give it a go and let us know what you think of it in the comments below J http://www.allergy.org.nz/news++events/RecipeStickyPork.html.

Alana’s experience with food allergy and intolerance means she understands how difficult it can be to create delicious and nutritious allergy-friendly food. Her recipe book, ‘The Gut Friendly Cookbook’ is available through our shop online.

http://www.allergy.org.nz/shop/Shop+online/Books.html and you can find her at https://alittlebityummy.com/

Pollen problems not to be sniffed at as climate change may increase annual issue

Climate change is making the yearly pollen problem worse, says Allergy New Zealand Chief Executive Mark Dixon. In a recent interview with stuff.co.nz he explained that the increasing temperatures and higher levels of carbon dioxide has meant plants are growing faster and more pollen is being produced. With Spring now well underway, Mark suggests that people who suffer from severe pollen allergies should stay indoors on windy mornings. Plants release their pollen at this time, so staying inside and keeping windows shut is a helpful way to reduce allergy symptoms. To read the interview, click here; https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/122738911/pollen-problems-not-to-be-sniffed-at-as-climate-change-may-increase-annual-issue

stuff.co.nz Get your tissues ready as pollen season approaches.

Mental Health Awareness Week - Mental Health Awareness Week. 21-27 SEPTEMBER, 2020

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! This year’s theme is Reimagine Wellbeing Together - He Tirohanga Anamata. Being affected by allergies can have a big impact on your mental wellbeing, so this week is a good opportunity to reflect on ways you can look after yourself and your whānau. This year has also been particularly difficult with the impacts of COVID-19, so evaluating what helps you feel good and stay well has become particularly important. To find out how you can get involved in this week, visit, https://www.mhaw.nz

mhaw.nz Mental Health Awareness Week. 21 – 27 SEPTEMBER 2020

Challenge Ideas

This month is Breathe Better September! The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is leading this initiative, which aims to increase awareness and support for the one in seven kiwi kids who live with asthma and the 700,000 kiwis with a respiratory condition. This month encourages people to think about ways they can improve their respiratory health. Simple ideas such as walking or biking instead of driving is a great way to do this in the warmer weather! For more ideas and ways to get involved this month, visit;

https://breathebetterseptember.co.nz/challengeideas

breathebetterseptember.co.nz Breathe Better September: Become a Better Breathing Hero today!

Doctors, nurses get behind free EpiPen initiative

Allergy New Zealand would like to say a big thank you to all the health professionals that supported our FundaPen™ initiative between November 2019 and July 2020. We recently posted that this campaign had now ended but we wanted to recognise the hard work that went on behind the scenes. Chief executive Mark Dixon said, “not one health professional we approached asked why they should support this initiative, they all asked how they could support it.” Having distributed just under 3000 Epipens® (adrenaline autoinjector pens) Mark says, “it has re-energised our push for adrenaline auto-injectors to be government funded”.

https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/doctors-nurses-get-behind-free-epipen-initiative

nzdoctor.co.nz Health professionals gave a huge thumbs up to Allergy New Zealand’s recent free EpiPen® campaign, according to the organisation’s Chief Executive Mark Dixon

Allergy Today: What do ‘May Contain’ Statements Actually Mean?

We have received a number of comments on our page about what ‘May Contain’ statements on food actually mean. In our recent Allergy Today newsletter, Allergy Advisor Penny Jorgensen provided a detailed statement on this. In her article she said, “food manufacturers are only required to warn about food allergens on the label if they are intentionally in the food; e.g. put there as an ingredient or a processing aid”. This means that ‘May Contain’ statements are only put there voluntarily and are not regulated. We would recommend always reading the label for products and contacting the manufacturer or food business concerned if you require further information. There is work happening at an international level towards regulating ‘may contain’ statements – read more in the article:

http://www.allergy.org.nz/news++events/MayContainStatements.html

allergy.org.nz Allergy Today: What do ‘May Contain’ Statements Actually Mean?