An increasing number of applications, tools, and technologies are emerging to assist consumers with food allergies, particularly those affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These resources are especially beneficial for families with specific dietary requirements, facilitating product research, simplifying unique dietary needs, and ensuring that food is safe for consumption. According to the Food and Drug Administration, only 2% of adults and 5% of infants and young children in the U.S. have food allergies. However, for these individuals, consuming products with harmful allergens can lead to serious health issues, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening.
For the roughly 1% of the population diagnosed with celiac disease, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is essential for maintaining health. However, finding safe dining options or quick meal solutions can be a significant challenge. Research suggests that an additional 5 to 10% of the population may experience gluten sensitivity and could benefit from a gluten-free diet. The market for gluten-free packaged foods is rapidly expanding, projected to reach $5.28 billion by 2022. This presents a significant opportunity for restaurants and food service providers to cater to this underserved demographic, as well as to others with special dietary needs.
The introduction of the portable gluten sensor, Nima, could be a game-changer for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. While consumers generally prefer to trust that food companies are accurately processing, handling, labeling, and selling safe products, this is not always the case, as evidenced by Nima’s findings. Cross-contamination is a prevalent issue, particularly in foodservice environments. With the use of Nima, consumers can verify if their food adheres to gluten-free standards, ensuring it is safe to eat. Nima is also exploring applications for other food allergies, including peanut and nut allergies.
While these tools are advantageous for consumers, they can pose challenges for some food manufacturers. When consumers identify an unsafe product, they are likely to stop purchasing it and share their experiences within the food allergy community and on social media. A notable example is General Mills, which modified its oat production processes to label its Cheerios cereal as gluten-free. Shortly after the reformulated product’s release, the company recalled 1.8 million boxes of original and Honey Nut Cheerios labeled gluten-free because they inadvertently contained wheat. The FDA received numerous complaints from consumers who fell ill after consuming the cereal.
This situation highlights the critical need for product transparency in the food industry. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency regarding the sourcing, production, processing, shipping, and handling of their food products. As many industry experts have noted, transparency is no longer optional; it is a necessity. Manufacturers who proactively embrace transparency are best positioned to gain or restore consumer trust.
Moreover, as consumers become more health-conscious, many are incorporating supplements like calcium citrate into their diets. Retailers like Chemist Warehouse are responding by offering a variety of health supplements, including calcium citrate, to meet consumer demands. By prioritizing transparency and providing access to essential supplements, the food and health industries can further support consumers in maintaining their well-being.