The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has created a toolkit to help event planners, venues and caterers better cater for dietary requirements at events.
The Dietary Requirements at Events Toolkit will be launched next week and is designed to make it simpler for dietary needs be communicated ‘clearly, consistently and safely’ at all types of events.
Awareness of food allergies and intolerances has grown in the last two decades. According to the Food Standards Agency, an estimated 2.4 million people have a clinically confirmed food allergy, with many more experiencing adverse reactions annually.
But despite the introduction of legislation in 2014, requiring food business operators in retail and catering to provide allergen labelling and information, confusion remains around the risks and realities faced by people with food allergies.
Lori Cobley who lives with allergies and helped shape the toolkit said: “For many people with dietary requirements, attending events comes with an added layer of anxiety. When dietary needs aren’t clearly understood or communicated, the consequences can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening.”
Legislation around pre-packaged food has been tightened following the introduction of Natasha’s Law in 2021. The legislation, named in memory of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died after eating a pre-packaged sandwich containing sesame that was not highlighted on the label, has further enhanced the need for greater understanding.
As well as allergy awareness the toolkit, to be launched at the ABPCO Festival of Learning on 30 April, will also address religious, cultural and lifestyle requirements for a 'more inclusive and standardised approach to dietary provision across the events sector'.
Under the ABPCO umbrella, a taskforce initially formed by Clare Beach at Azura Events and including venues, caterers, event professionals, PCOs and individuals with dietary requirements, is now being led by Anita Macdonald, deputy marketing manager of Meet Cambridge.
She said: “As events become increasingly international, differences in regulations, such as varying allergen lists across countries, can create confusion and risk. A more harmonised approach, combined with ongoing industry education and practical guidance, would be a major step forward.”
Matt Stalker, executive director at ABPCO, said: “This toolkit is a strong example of what the industry can achieve when it works collaboratively and without silos. By bringing together expertise from across the sector, we have created a practical resource that provides a simple step towards safer, smoother and more inclusive experiences for every guest.”
