An
initiative promoting a safe Halloween
for the 100,000 Quebec children suffering from food allergies
Allergy Quebec invites the population to paint
a pumpkin turquoise or to put up the poster of the initiative on their
front door to indicate that they are offering non-food treats to
allergic children during the celebration of Halloween, on October 31st.
This holiday is often
a difficult moment for children suffering from allergies, since the
distribution of potentially allergenic products tends to keep them away from
the festivities. Participate in large numbers in the #MaCitrouilleTurquoise
initiative to show them that they can join the party. Launched in the United States
in 2014, this initiative already includes some fifteen countries.
“Food allergies continue to be a major,
growing health problem in Quebec. When you know that up to 8% of Quebec
children live with food allergies and you notice a 18% increase in this segment
of the population, the #MaCitrouilleTurquoise initiative makes perfect sense in
the context of Halloween. This activity gives us a great opportunity to raise
awareness about this subject with young and old people alike,” says Dominique
Seigneur, Communications Director at Allergy Quebec.
Allergy Quebec also invites people to participate in the 5th
edition of the Food Allergy Fair, which will take place on Saturday,
October 19th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the mall Laurier
Québec, in Québec. A free pumpkin painting workshop open to everyone will
be offered, as well as several conferences related to food allergies, contests,
tastings, and the presence of many exhibitors and health experts.
It’s also important to remember that at any moment, allergies can cause
an anaphylactic reaction that can lead to death in a few minutes. Up to 75% of
people who are allergic to peanuts have been accidentally exposed to that
allergen.
In Canada, peanuts,
wheat, milk, mustard, nuts, eggs, fish and seafood, sesame, soy and sulfites
have been defined as the ten priority allergens, because they are responsible
for the majority of severe allergic reactions. More than 160 allergenic foods
have been identified in Canada.
About Allergy Quebec
Founded in 1990, the mission of Allergy Quebec is to
promote safety and the improvement of the quality of life of those who must
deal with food allergies. The association notably implements information,
support, education, training and awareness programs. www.allergiesquebec.ca
