Box Office Now Open for the Allergy & Free From Show 2026 Taking Place for the First Time at the NEC Birmingham

The Allergy & Free From Show is thrilled to announce the official opening of its box office for its landmark 2026 edition, taking place 9–10 May at the NEC Birmingham.

To celebrate the first edition at the NEC Birmingham, the first 500 visitors can benefit from free tickets using the code AFF26.

This will be the show's first-ever edition at the NEC Birmingham, following an overwhelmingly positive response from visitors calling for a more central, national event. The move marks an exciting new era for the UK's biggest celebration of free-from living.

In excess of 150 allergy-free and free-from brands will be exhibiting at the 2026 event, spanning food & drink, skincare, health, wellbeing, and women's health. 

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample products, discover innovations, and connect directly with experts, advocates, and leading voices from across the entire sector.

Returning for 2026 is the Inspiration Stage, sponsored by Koko Dairy Free, featuring an absolutely unmissable line-up of speakers including Becky Excell, best-selling author and the Queen of Gluten Free, and Becky Adlington OBE, GB Olympic swimmer and coeliac advocate. Both will share empowering insights and guidance for living well with allergies and intolerances.

The show will also welcome the return of The Kitchen, hosting an action-packed schedule of live demos and fresh recipe ideas; and the Balmonds Skin Hub, offering visitors a hands-on opportunity to explore and test the latest skincare designed for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

Exciting New Additions for 2026

The Hormone Health Hub, sponsored by Arla Cultura, will deliver practical sessions and expert advice on hormonal health and wellbeing giving attendees key insights and valuable takeaways.

The Health & Wellness Zone is a brand-new area showcasing leading wellness brands and breakthrough startups for visitors to meet, sample, and learn from.

“We couldn't be more excited to open the box office for what will be our most accessible and ambitious show yet,” Annie Bennett, Event Director, The Allergy & Free From Show, told That's Food and Drink. 

“Our move to the NEC Birmingham reflects the overwhelming feedback we've received from our community. With fantastic new features, returning favourites, and over 150 brands, 2026 is set to be a truly national celebration of living well with allergies and intolerances. We can't wait to see the community come together.”

Free tickets are limited to the first 500 using code AFF26. For more information and to register to attend, please visit www.allergyshow.co.uk

Good news for food allergy victims. Life‑saving adrenaline nasal spray now approved in the UK: EURneffy offers needle‑free treatment for anaphylaxis

UK first: needle‑free adrenaline for emergencies.

On 18 July 2025, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted approval for the first-ever adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray, branded EURneffy, for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in adults and children weighing 30 kg or more.

Until now, adrenaline has only been available in the UK via auto‑injector pens (AAIs), such as EpiPen or Jext. EURneffy marks an amazing major milestone by introducing a needle‑free, intranasal delivery option that could improve accessibility and reduce delays in treatment 

How does EURneffy work?

• Single‑dose 2 mg spray: delivers its entire contents in one activation.

• Designed to work even if the nose is congested, making it suitable during colds or allergy flare-ups 

• Longer shelf life (~30 months) and better temperature stability than traditional AAIs, potentially enhancing usability and reducing wastage 

Patients must be properly trained before they can use it. For example, pressing the plunger before inserting into the nostril will prematurely release the dose and render it unusable.

Who is it designed for?

EURneffy is approved for adults and children weighing at least 30 kg (that's approximately 66 lb), the same threshold as standard for adult auto‑injectors. 

It's intended for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis caused by food, insect stings or bites, medications, and other triggers, including exercise‑induced or idiopathic episodes 

Why it matters

Reduces barriers to prompt adrenaline use, especially for those with needle phobia or reluctance to carry bulky injectors 

Speeds up administration: delaying the use of adrenaline is known to worsen outcomes in anaphylactic emergencies 

Supports NHS effectiveness: longer shelf life and easier storage could prove more cost‑effective overall 

Safety profile & instructions

Clinical trial data (over 700 participants) showed EURneffy achieved comparable blood levels and blood pressure effects to intramuscular auto‑injectors 

Common side effects, especially if a second dose (total 4 mg) is given, include:

throat irritation

headache

nasal discomfort or tingling

feeling jittery 

Healthcare providers advise that two doses should always be carried. If symptoms persist or recur after 10 minutes, a second dose may be administered in the same nostril.

Hospital attendance remains essential even if symptoms improve.

Patient advice & next steps

Doctors will soon be able to prescribe EURneffy, subject to price and reimbursement agreements with the NHS Department of Health and Social Care.

Availability is expected in the latter part of the third quarter of the year.

Patients previously hesitant to use AAIs may find EURneffy a more acceptable alternative. Nonetheless, auto‑injectors remain the first‑line treatment and should still be carried and used when available.

Pharmaceutical Technology

Education and training are absolutely vital. The MHRA emphasises familiarisation with both AAI and nasal spray use, and reporting any suspected side‑effects via the Yellow Card scheme.

The UK’s approval of EURneffy represents a major advance in allergy care, a needle‑free, easy‑to‑carry emergency option for managing life‑threatening allergic reactions. 

It promises greater accessibility and reduced hesitation in using adrenaline when every second counts. While AAIs remain essential, EURneffy could redefine preparedness for many living with severe allergy risks in Britain.

Recall Alert: Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwiches Mislabelled as Cheese

On 8 July 2025, Mondelēz Global LLC, the maker of Ritz, issued a voluntary nationwide recall of four carton sizes of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches. 

The reason? Individual packets inside were mistakenly labelled as “cheese” although they contained peanut butter, a potentially life-threatening issue for anyone with a peanut allergy. 

What’s Affected

Carton sizes:

8‑pack, 20‑pack, 40‑pack Peanut Butter Sandwich cartons

20‑pack Variety Pack (contains both cheese & peanut butter sandwiches)

Wrapper error: Individually wrapped packs showing “Cheese” may actually contain peanut butter 

Best‑when‑used‑by dates: Range from 1 Nov 2025 to 22 Jan 2026, depending on carton size and plant code 

Note: Outer cartons correctly state “contains peanuts” and are, therefore, not misleading.

Why This Matters

Allergen risk: Peanuts rank among the most serious food allergens. If someone expecting cheese eats a mislabelled peanut butter snack, the result could be anaphylactic shock 

No reported cases yet: Thankfully, no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported, but the warning remains critical .

What You Should Do

Check your pantry for any affected Ritz sandwich crackers matching the recalled pack sizes and dates.

Discard or return them to the store or follow the procedure outlined by Mondelēz.

Contact Mondelēz at 1‑844‑366‑1171, available 24/7, for more assistance for the USA and rest of the world or call 0800 818181 in the UK.

Behind the Scenes

The error was traced to defective film packaging rolls from a supplier 

Mondelēz has pledged corrective measures to prevent repeat incidents 

Final Thoughts

This recall highlights just how crucial accurate food labelling is for public health, especially in the case of major allergens like peanuts. Even a small labelling mistake can carry serious consequences. Fortunately, the company and regulators have acted swiftly to protect consumers.

If you have a peanut allergy or prepare food for someone who does, be extra cautious: double-check even seemingly familiar foods. And always stay alert to recall notices.

Could Your Allergy Symptoms Be Linked to a Stevia Sensitivity?

Have you recently made the switch to a low-sugar or sugar-free diet in an effort to live a bit healthier, only to find yourself suddenly battling unexplained allergy symptoms? 

Sneezing, rashes, itching, or even digestive discomfort can be confusing, especially if you’re eating “cleaner” than ever. One unexpected culprit might just be stevia.

What Is Stevia?

Stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It's become a popular choice for people looking to reduce sugar intake without using artificial sweeteners. You’ll often find it in:

Sugar-free fizzy drinks

Keto-friendly baked goods

Protein powders and health bars

Flavoured waters

“Natural” sweeteners for coffee or tea

On labels, it might appear as:

Steviol glycosides

Rebaudioside A (Reb A)

Stevia leaf extract

E960 (the EU additive code)

Is It Possible to Be Allergic to Stevia?

While true stevia allergies are rare, they can happen. Stevia belongs to the Asteraceae plant family — the same group as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. If you’re allergic to any of those, your body may react similarly to stevia.

Possible Signs of a Stevia Sensitivity or Allergy:

Skin rashes or hives

Itchy mouth or throat

Sneezing or nasal congestion

Upset stomach or diarrhoea

Facial swelling (especially lips or eyes)

In extremely rare cases, anaphylaxis

What Should You Do?

If you suspect stevia might be behind your recent symptoms:

Read ingredient labels carefully — even health products may contain stevia in some form.

Eliminate all products containing stevia for at least a week or two and monitor symptoms.

Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how you feel.

Speak to your GP or an allergist — you may be offered skin prick testing or other diagnostic options.

Alternatives to Consider

If you discover stevia is a trigger for you, don’t worry, there are other low-sugar or sugar-free options:

Monk fruit extract (often blended with erythritol)

Xylitol or erythritol (sugar alcohols — though note they can cause digestive upset for some)

Raw honey or maple syrup (not sugar-free, but less processed)

Final Thoughts

Switching to a low-sugar lifestyle is a great health goal, but not every ingredient will work for every body. If your body starts sending strange signals, listen to it — and don’t rule out even the most “natural” ingredients as a potential cause.

Have you experienced symptoms after switching to sugar-free or stevia-sweetened products? Share your story in the comments, you’re not alone, and your experience might help someone else figure it out too.

Update:- The reason we researched and wrote this blogpost is that my wife realised that she has an allergy to stevia and wondered if this type of allergy was impacting other people. It transpires that it is.

Discover the Allergy & Free From Business Event: A Must-Attend Gathering in London

Mark your calendars for Friday, 21st June, as the Copthorne Tara Hotel in London becomes the epicentre for the latest in allergy and free-from products and innovations. 

The Allergy & Free From Business Event is an essential gathering for professionals and enthusiasts in this burgeoning field. 

Whether you are a business owner, a healthcare professional, or someone passionate about allergen-free living, this event promises to offer valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a peek into the future of this rapidly evolving market.

What to Expect at the Event

1. Comprehensive Seminars and Workshops:

The event will feature a series of seminars and workshops led by industry experts, focusing on a wide range of topics from the latest research in allergen management to innovative product development. Attendees will have the chance to learn from leading voices in the sector, gaining insights that can help shape their own businesses and practices.

2. Networking Opportunities:

Networking is a key component of the Allergy & Free From Business Event. With numerous professionals from diverse backgrounds coming together, attendees can expect to forge valuable connections. Whether you are looking to collaborate, find new suppliers, or simply exchange ideas, this event offers ample opportunities to expand your professional network.

3. Exhibition of Cutting-Edge Products:

The event will also host an exhibition showcasing the latest products and services in the allergy and free-from market. From food and drink to cosmetics and household products, the exhibition provides a platform for businesses to display their innovations. Attendees will have the chance to discover new products that could potentially enhance their offerings or improve their personal lives.

4. Expert Panels and Q&A Sessions:

Interactive panels and Q&A sessions with experts in the field will allow attendees to delve deeper into specific topics of interest. These sessions are designed to be highly engaging, offering attendees the chance to ask questions and gain personalised advice from industry leaders.

Why You Should Attend

Stay Ahead of Market Trends:

The allergy and free-from sector is one of the fastest-growing markets today. Attending this event will ensure you stay abreast of the latest trends and developments, helping you to remain competitive and innovative in your field.

Enhance Your Knowledge:

Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the industry, the wealth of knowledge shared at this event will be invaluable. From understanding consumer behaviour to navigating regulatory landscapes, the insights gained here can help you to better understand and serve your target audience.

Grow Your Business:

For business owners, the Allergy & Free From Business Event is an excellent opportunity to discover new products, meet potential partners, and explore new business opportunities. The connections made and the knowledge gained can directly contribute to the growth and success of your business.

Support a Healthier Lifestyle:

For individuals living with allergies or dietary restrictions, this event offers a wealth of information and resources to support a healthier lifestyle. Discovering new products and gaining insights from experts can make managing allergies and dietary restrictions easier and more effective.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 21st June

Location: Copthorne Tara Hotel, London

Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration:

Tickets are available for purchase on the event’s official website. Early registration is recommended to secure your place and take advantage of any early bird discounts.

Final Thoughts

The Allergy & Free From Business Event is more than just a conference; it is a vital hub for learning, networking, and discovering the future of the allergy and free-from market. Whether you are a business professional, a healthcare provider, or an individual seeking to improve your lifestyle, this event offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and industry experts in the heart of London.

We look forward to seeing you there!

https://allergyandfreefrombusiness.com