Helping to advocate on access to epinephrine – thanks to everyone who participated in our survey last month! Read about our advocacy and research in the foodservice space. Plus, discover our mythbuster: Can Benadryl® be used instead of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis? Find the answer!
Advocacy in action: Thank you for helping us advocate on access to epinephrine
Epinephrine is first line treatment for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and in Canada, we currently use epinephrine auto-injectors to treat anaphylaxis. Research has been underway to develop non-needle epinephrine delivery systems—such as nasal sprays and sublingual films—with nasal spray now available in the U.S. and parts of the EU. With these innovations expanding internationally, we are actively advocating for equal access to all epinephrine delivery options in Canada.
Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences to help shape our submission to the government in support of access to new epinephrine devices. Your voices make a real difference, and we’ll keep you updated as this important work moves forward.
Advocacy in action: Equipping foodservice operators with new training assets
We just launched a new micro-training series on “Serving the food allergic guest”, designed specifically for foodservice staff. The three short videos—covering ordering, preparation, and delivery—highlight the critical role communication plays in creating safe and welcoming dining experiences for guests with food allergy.
Our advocacy also reached the broader industry through an article in Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine. The piece shows how training not only builds safer, more inclusive dining environments, but also strengthens staff engagement by connecting their work to a meaningful purpose.
Research: Understanding the food allergy experience in foodservice
In partnership with Laval University we recently published a new study in the international journal, Nutrients, called Food Allergy and Foodservice: A Comparative Study of Allergic and Non-Allergic Consumers’ Behaviors, Attitudes, and Risk Perceptions.
The findings shed light on how dining out can be especially challenging for people with food allergy. The study points to a higher burden of disease—such as increased stress, social strain, and reduced quality of life—among a subgroup of allergic individuals. These impacts are reflected in how they approach meals prepared in restaurants and other foodservice settings, from the choices they make to the level of risk they perceive.
This research underscores the importance of building safer, more inclusive dining environments—and reinforces why our advocacy and training efforts in foodservice matter so much.
Review our study, Food Allergy and Foodservice: A Comparative Study of Allergic and Non-Allergic Consumers’ Behaviors, Attitudes, and Risk Perceptions.
Check out our report on the dining experiences of Canadians with food allergy and how allergy-aware restaurants can drive loyalty.
Mythbuster: Can Benadryl® be used instead of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis?
FACT: NO, epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Antihistamines, like Benadryl®, do not reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and should not be used instead of epinephrine. They can be given after epinephrine, but are mostly for comfort to relieve itching. Newer antihistamines like Reactine®, Claritin® or Aerius®, are recommended over Benadryl®, which does not work as quickly and can cause drowsiness.
A recent article highlights concerns about diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine widely used in allergy, cold, and sleep medications. Despite its long history, research shows it has a higher risk of abuse potential and adverse effects, particularly among children and older adults. The researchers believe it has reached the end of its lifecycle and recommend that it no longer be widely prescribed or available over the counter. The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) also recommends that first-generation antihistamines should only be considered a behind-the-counter medication in their position statement.
Check out the full article to learn more and register for our upcoming webinar on anaphylaxis!
Learn more
This webinar will cover details on why Benadryl® should not be used. This session will focus on building confidence in recognizing anaphylaxis through scenarios.
Researchers believe that Benadryl® has reached the end of its lifecycle and recommend that it no longer be widely prescribed or available over the counter.
Help us educate your communities and share this mythbuster with them! Find more mythbusters at foodallergycanada.ca/mythbusters.