The Situation

Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergic reaction that can result in death.1 Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis.2 Food allergies affect 8 % of children under the age of 18, and 4 % of adults.3,4 It is estimated that the number of these reactions has been increasing, and the cause for this increase is unknown.1 From 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of food allergies increased by 18 % among children under the age of 18.5 The potential risk of an anaphylactic reaction occurring in an employee or a customer exists for employers6—especially those providing food services or vending machines on the worksite, as well as employers with outdoor workers. The Problem Anaphylaxis can be triggered by a wide range of allergens, including those in: • Food7 • Insect venom, such as bee stings8 • Latex, especially for people who wear latex gloves at work9 • Medications10 Further complicating matters, some people with allergies don’t know which allergens trigger severe life-threatening reactions.10 Thus, it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of anaphylaxis in the workplace, at a company’s on-site restaurant or cafeteria, if employees work outdoors, or if customers are on site at the company