Objective: Assess the current state of food allergy management strategies and the perceptions of them among food service providers.
Methods: The study surveyed establishments that participated in a food allergy management workshop or- ganized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in February 2018. The survey inquired about the implemen- tation status of food allergy management strategies, the frequency of accidental ingestions and near misses, and the necessary actions for advancing food allergy management.
Results: The survey yielded a response rate of 78% (257/331); 81% of the operators reported having implemented some form of food allergy management strategies. However, only 51% had created a manual for food allergy management and 55% had labeled 7 specified ingredients. 29% of the operators reported experiencing accidental ingestions or near misses, with 34% of those incidents requiring medical attention. 49% of the operators identified the "establishment of industry standards" as a crucial step in advancing food allergy management.
Conclusion: The survey results indicate that establishments have not fully implemented adequate and effective food allergy management strategies. There is a need to enhance the awareness and understanding of food allergies among businesses and to establish appropriate and sufficient food allergy management measures in the future.
Keywords: accidental ingestion; adverse reaction; dining out; food hypersensitivity; restaurant.