An increasing array of applications, tools, and technologies is emerging, specifically designed for consumers with food allergies, particularly those affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These resources assist consumers—especially those with special dietary requirements within their families—in conducting product research, simplifying unique dietary needs, and ensuring the safety of the food they consume. According to the Food and Drug Administration, only 2% of adults in the U.S. and 5% of infants and young children have food allergies. However, for this demographic, inadvertently consuming products that contain harmful allergens can result in illness and, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
For the approximately 1% of the population diagnosed with celiac disease who must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet for their health, discovering safe dining options and convenient meal solutions can be quite challenging. Research suggests that an additional 5% to 10% of the population may experience gluten sensitivity and could benefit from avoiding gluten-containing foods. The gluten-free packaged food market is on the rise, projected to reach $5.28 billion by 2022. This presents a significant opportunity for restaurants and foodservice operators to address the substantial unmet needs of this underrepresented consumer group, alongside others on special diets.
The introduction of the portable gluten sensor, Nima, could be a game-changer for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Although consumers generally want to trust that food companies are accurately processing, handling, labeling, and selling safe food for those who are gluten intolerant, this is not always guaranteed. Nima’s findings reveal that cross-contamination in food products is a prevalent issue, particularly in foodservice environments. Now, with the help of Nima, consumers can determine if their food adheres to gluten-free standards and is safe for consumption. Nima is also investigating applications for individuals with other food allergies, such as those related to peanuts and nuts.
While tools like Nima are beneficial for consumers, they can create challenges for some food manufacturers. When consumers identify a product as unsafe, they are not only likely to abandon these products but also share their experiences within the food allergy community and on social media. A notable example is General Mills, which modified its oat manufacturing processes to label its Cheerios cereal as gluten-free. However, just weeks after this reformulation, the company had to recall 1.8 million boxes of original and Honey Nut Cheerios that were mistakenly labeled gluten-free but contained wheat. The FDA received numerous complaints from consumers who fell ill after consuming the cereal. This incident highlights the critical importance of product transparency in the food industry.
Consumers increasingly demand transparency and wish to know more about the sourcing, production, processing, shipping, and handling of their food products. As industry experts have noted, transparency is no longer optional but a necessity. Manufacturers who proactively embrace transparency are most likely to build or restore consumer trust. Additionally, it is worth noting that for individuals concerned about osteoporosis, understanding the role of calcium citrate or calcium carbonate for osteoporosis can be essential, especially as they navigate dietary restrictions and seek safe foods. This reinforces the need for comprehensive information on food products, including how they interact with nutritional needs, such as calcium intake.