Good Example Of Research Paper On Allergen Labeling In Saudi Arabia And Ireland

Purpose: Food allergen labeling involves labeling of foods which contain several substances which may cause allergic reactions in human beings. Despite numerous systematic reviews on allergen labeling, few comparative studies and literature analysis have been conducted more so in Saudi Arabia and Ireland to establish the status of allergen labeling between the two countries.
Methods: The online survey development software surveymonkey.com formed the basis for estimating data on food allergens in Ireland and Saudi Arabia. A total of ten questions incorporated in the survey ensured it was succinct and focused.
Results: An average of 77 respondents took part in the survey with 22.08% (17) aged between 18 and 24 years, 59.74% (46) aged between 24 and 35 years, 14.29% (11) aged between 35 and 44 years and 1.3% (1) aged 45 to 54 years. The percentage of reported households without food allergies was 46.05% while those with either 1 or 2 people, 3 or 4 people or more than 4 with food allergens where 43.42%, 7.89% and 2.63% respectively. 20 of the surveyed people also had food allergens while 48 did not with 8 being unaware. 12% of the respondents were also knowledgeable on allergen labeling, 14.67% being very knowledgeable, 24% were moderately knowledgeable and 34.67% were slightly knowledgeable. 11 of the 75 respondents were not knowledgeable at all on allergens. Majority of the respondents (57.33%) spent no time searching information on allergen labeling with a paltry 4% searching for it. Websites at 28% of the respondents and booklets at 28% are the preferred source of allergen information among the respondents also. Majority of the respondents (44.59%) also said that little information was available on allergens.
Discussion: The young people below 35 years formed majority of the study’s respondents with Saudi’s being more than the Irish. Few respondents also exhibited food allergies with a moderate number in both countries having knowledge on allergen labeling. The manufactures failure to document the presence of allergens on food may be a contributor to this observed statistics. Both populations were however ignorant of allergen labeling.
Conclusions: The lack of allergen labeling regulations in Saudi Arabia is largely responsible for the observed statistics where majority lack knowledge on allergen labeling. Food manufacturers must also write this information in order to make the public aware. Legislation on allergen labeling is needed in both countries.