If you live in Ontario, invite your MPPs to this month’s Ontario Anaphylaxis Summit. Plus, register for our upcoming webinar on EoE and register your 7-15-year-old for the spring session of Allergy Pals/Allies online mentorship. Get tips on pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) and how to manage during spring and beyond. Help us give a round of applause to our volunteers for National Volunteer Week, and get ready for Food Allergy Awareness Month (FAAM) in May.
Ontario Anaphylaxis Summit on April 30th: Invite your MPPs
On April 30th, 2026, the Royal Danish Consulate General will convene the Ontario Anaphylaxis Summit in Toronto, bringing together policymakers, clinicians, and sector leaders to focus on one goal: turning evidence and lived experience into practical, system-level solutions.
We will be there to advocate for concrete policy change and expanded access to epinephrine — ensuring that life-saving treatment is available, accessible, and consistently supported across all public settings.
Why your Ontario MPP should be in the room:
As anaphylaxis preparedness is a public safety and policy issue, MPPs play a critical role in shaping legislation, funding priorities, and standards that can:
- Improve anaphylaxis preparedness across publicly funded spaces
- Support consistent policies in schools and community settings
- Enable training, awareness, and access to life-saving treatment like epinephrine
- Reduce risk and improve outcomes for the growing number of Ontarians living with food allergy
Their presence helps ensure that the solutions discussed don’t stop at ideas — but move toward coordinated, province-wide action.
If you live in Ontario and work in the following sectors, you are also invited to attend the Summit. Your perspective is essential to building practical, implementable solutions:
- Public health and health policy
- Education and school systems
- Municipal leadership and community services
- Emergency response and public safety
- Hospitality and public-facing environments
Details
- Date: April 30, 2026 from 1-5pm EDT
- Location: MaRS Discovery District, 101 College Street, Toronto, ON
- Registration link
- Download the flyer to share
Please send your MPP the flyer and registration link. If you work in the sectors listed above, please use the same link to register yourself. Thanks in advance for your engagement and advocacy support!
Webinar on May 13th: Understanding eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE): From symptoms to care pathways
Do you or someone you know experience difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck when eating, need frequent sips of liquid to get through a meal, or take longer to eat than others? These symptoms could be signs of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) — or you may already be navigating a diagnosis and wondering what comes next.
Join us for an informative session with Dr. Milli Gupta to better understand EoE and how to manage it with confidence. Register now.
Whether you suspect EoE or have already been diagnosed, this webinar will help you:
- Understand what EoE is and how it affects the esophagus
- Recognize common symptoms and when to seek medical advice
- Learn how EoE is diagnosed and what the process may involve
- Explore current treatment options, including medications and dietary approaches
- Gain clarity on the ideal care pathway — and how to navigate the healthcare system to access the care you need
Don’t miss out. The webinar is on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 12-1 pm EDT.
Register now: Allergy Pals/Allies – spring sessions start this month!
Our free 8-week online mentorship program begins on April 25th, 2026. Sign up your 7-15-year-old now to join a supportive community with kids who share similar experiences.
Led by peer mentors, the sessions provide a safe and supportive space where kids with food allergy can connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
We have received outstanding feedback from previous participants, who often come back to take the course again! Register your child today to save their spot!
Springtime tips: Managing pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS)
Spring marks the start of pollen seasons which can trigger symptoms for people with pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome.
PFAS is a type of food allergy that can occur in people with pollen allergy. It happens when the immune system confuses proteins in certain foods with similar proteins in pollen (called “cross-reactivity”), leading to symptoms when eating some raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, or spices.
Examples of some of the foods that are similar to certain pollens are listed in our pollen allergy and foods chart.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear within minutes of eating and are typically mild, including:
- Itchy mouth or throat
- Tingling lips or tongue
- Mild swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat
Although uncommon, PFAS can sometimes lead to anaphylaxis. In some cases, an allergist may recommend carrying an epinephrine device — especially if symptoms go beyond mild mouth itching, involve tree nuts, or testing suggests higher risk.
Diagnosis
An allergist can assess your history and may use skin prick testing to pollens and related foods. If you suspect PFAS, a referral can help confirm a diagnosis and guide management.
Daily management tips
- Avoid only the foods that cause symptoms — broad avoidance isn’t necessary
- Try cooked, baked, or canned versions of foods, which are often tolerated
- Peeling fruits and vegetables may help reduce symptoms
- Some people tolerate certain varieties (e.g., one type of apple but not another)
- Be extra mindful during peak pollen seasons when symptoms may worsen
Treatments
Immunotherapy (e.g., allergy shots) is available to treat pollen allergy, however, it is not clear if it is helpful for PFAS. Please speak to your doctor for treatment options that are best suited for you.
Celebrate our dedicated volunteers
In recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), help us thank our dedicated volunteers across the country.
Our volunteers generously donate their time and energy to:
- Support our conferences and educational events
- Contribute to programs and resources for the community
- Share their experiences in media interviews, newsletter articles and social media
Help us thank the following four individuals whose outstanding contributions have enriched our programming and helped us deliver on our mission!
Elaine Hsu, parent mentor leading small group webinar sessions for parents with newly diagnosed children, and co-leader of the Metro Vancouver Anaphylaxis Support Group
Giulia Cavaleri, program coordinator for our Allergy Pals/Allies online mentorship program which empowers youth with food allergy
Marsha Rayman, cross-functional support in the office, including ensuring patient materials reached healthcare providers, schools, and other sectors
Stephen Sirignano, instrumental in supporting our efforts for health promotion and education with foodservice operators at numerous industry events
A heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who support our efforts in education and support, and in increasing awareness and understanding of food allergy and anaphylaxis across Canada.
Next month is Food Allergy Awareness Month
Stay tuned for more exciting news and events in May for Food Allergy Awareness Month (#FAAM), including teal monument lightings, educational resources, and more!
Our focus for May will be on taking the fear out of anaphylaxis by building confidence and empowering everyone to recognize and treat anaphylaxis. Stay tuned for an email on May 1st with more details on how you can participate throughout the month.
Tags: Allergy Pals, EoE webinar, Ontario Anaphylaxis Summit, PFAS