Why the UK Needs a National Allergy Tsar: A Call for Leadership in Allergy Safety

A powerful new documentary from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), Triggered: The Reality of Anaphylaxis, offers a deeply personal look into what it truly means to live with severe food allergies. The film gives voice to patients, caregivers, clinicians and researchers who navigate the fear, uncertainty and emotional impact of life-threatening reactions every single day.

Their stories reinforce a message we know too well: food allergy is not a niche issue. It is a growing public health challenge affecting millions across the UK. Yet despite its scale, responsibility for allergy care remains fragmented, with no single point of leadership to drive change, improve safety or coordinate national strategy.

The Reality of Living With Anaphylaxis

The documentary highlights the daily pressures of managing severe allergies:

navigating unpredictable and frightening allergic reactions
living with constant hyper vigilance for a medical emergency
managing anxiety, stigma and social limitations
advocating for food allergy understanding, visibility and support

For many people with food allergies - this is their reality - not occasionally, but every day.

Natasha’s story is a devastating reminder of what can happen when systems fail and oversight is inconsistent.

*No Family Should Lose Someone to the Food They Eat*

Progress Isn’t Enough Without Leadership

Natasha’s Law has been a critical step forward, greatly improving transparency in food labelling. But significant risks remain in schools, hospitality settings and healthcare. Training is inconsistent. Data collection is limited. Oversight is scattered across multiple departments.

Without national leadership, the system remains reactive rather than preventative.

People living with allergies must rely on goodwill, chance and personal advocacy rather than robust, coordinated safety standards.

Why the UK Needs an Allergy Tsar

A dedicated Allergy Tsar would provide the joined-up leadership that allergy care in the UK urgently needs. This role would:

coordinate national policy across health, education and the food industry
embed consistent allergy training and standards
improve national data collection on anaphylaxis and food allergy
strengthen accountability and reduce preventable risks
ensure the voices of patients and families are heard at the highest level

It is a clear, practical solution that would transform public health outcomes for millions.

The Time for Action Is Now

Allergy prevalence continues to rise. Families feel the strain - emotionally, socially and financially. The stories in EAACI’s documentary echo what we hear every day: people need visibility, understanding and a system that protects them.

Natasha’s Foundation continues to call for a national Allergy Tsar because no family should ever experience what ours did. Lives depend on stronger leadership, smarter policy and a coordinated national response.

Watch the Documentary

You can watch Triggered: The Reality of Anaphylaxis here: Click to play

Triggered: The Reality of Living with Anaphylaxis