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The prevalence, cost and basis of food allergy across Europe

Objective

EuroPrevall is a multidisciplinary, trans-sectorial project involving Candidate Countries and SMEs. Its aim is to deliver improved quality of life to food allergy sufferers by developing knowledge- based holistic approaches to managing the problem. This will be achieved by integrating informationand tools related to: 1.Characterising PATTERNS and PREVALENCE of food allergies across Europe in INFANTS [birth cohortin 5 centres], CHILDREN and ADULTS [cross-sectional surveys in 10 centres]. Such studies of the wider population will be complimented by more detailed studies based on referrals to allergy clinics (12 centres). 2.Using samples and information from the surveys to IDENTIFY RISK FACTORS (environmental, microbial, genetic) and NOVEL PREDICTIVE MARKERS (biochemical or genetic) for food allergy would facilitate implementation of preventive measures e.g. during pregnancy. 3.DEVELOPING SEROLOGICAL METHODS based on purified food allergens ( "component resolved diagnosis" ), including conventional and novel formats [such as protein and/or peptide chips] capable of IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF FOOD ALLERGY diagnosis and hence reducing need for confirmatory food challenge tests. 4.Investigating how the FOOD MATRIX AFFECTS THE ALLERGENICITY OF FOODS, including processing procedures, and developing new reference materials for food challenges which are truly blind and based on "real" food matrices, e.g. confectionary [THEME 3]. 5.DEVELOPING AND APPLYING INSTRUMENTS to determine the impact of food allergies on the QUALITY OF LIFE AND ITS ECONOMIC COST for sufferers/their families. These research outputs will be amalgamated in consensus positions on food allergy management from which TRAINING MATERIALS will be derived for ALLERGIC CONSUMERS, health professionals/ food industry. The benefits of results will be realised in the community through EXPLOITATION with the SME stakeholders. The project will support young researchers and female researchers.

Call for proposal

FP6-2003-FOOD-2-A
See other projects for this call

Coordinator

INSTITUTE OF FOOD RESEARCH
EU contribution
No data
Address
Norwich Research Park, Colney
NORWICH
United Kingdom

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Participants (67)